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Young House Love » Blogging » This Pretty Much Made Our Year (Meeting Nate Berkus)

| By Sherry Petersik | October 26, 2010 | 337 Comments

This Pretty Much Made Our Year (Meeting Nate Berkus)

Picture me miming the act of getting out the ol’ Bucket List and crossing off one of the most major “pipe dream” things on there. As we quickly mentioned here, three Wednesdays ago The Nate Berkus Show contacted us and asked if we’d be interested in being on their show… which was taping just two short days later in NYC. If so they’d fly us out the very next day.

Uh, yes please.

Nate Stage Demo Shot

See, I’ve been obsessed with Nate for years. And not just mildly obsessed, we’re talking can’t-mention-him-without-my-voice-going-up-an-octave status. The man just does something to me (check out a few I-love-Nate posts of yore here and here). But what the heck would we be doing on the show anyway? They explained that they were introducing a new feature: Nate’s Crate Design Challenge. It would involve two real-people contestants competing for his affection design kudos using a mystery crate full of basic household items (craft paper, blankets, a feather duster, push pins, burlap, staple guns). Basically Nate would be challenging them to a design duel on two identical white rooms for the hour-long duration of the episode using only those unconventional decorating items to alter their spaces and score the win. Here’s a pic of those lucky ladies with their finished rooms behind them:

Nate Contestants Rooms

But where did we fit in? They actually wanted us to be the judges a la Paula and Simon (or soon-to-be J-Lo and Steven) since we’re big on the whole DIY thing and working with everyday household items is our idea of a good time. No words, people. We had no words.

They even gave us a little American Idol-ish desk:

Nate Judgest Table1

And added this blush-inducing subtitle below our names. Insanity.

Nate Diy Experts Title

Nate even invited us on stage to demo of a few fun DIY projects using items from the crate.

Nate Burlap Demo

But back to how we found ourselves standing on stage with Nate. The day after we received that unbelievable invitation to be on the show, we were on a plane to NYC. Yes, it really does move that fast. It was Clara’s first flight ever, and thankfully she slept like a champ (we intentionally timed our departure after her bedtime in the hope that she’d lay low- and hallelujah it worked).

Berkus Plane There

We arrived at LaGuardia and got picked up by a fancy limo service. Yeah, we’re those dorks who took a picture of the sign with our names on it. Guilty as charged (or GAC as they say on Cougar Town).

Berkus Limo Sign

It was around 11:30pm when we finally got to our hotel. They generously put us up at the Flatotel– where the contestants have lived on shows like Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model (holy Tyra Banks, Batman). And look how cute the beanette looks in a big girl bed (though she actually slept in the crib they sweetly provided).

Berkus Hotel Headboard

In the morning we were up at 5:30-ish. We had to be at the studio by 7:15 and we could hardly sleep due to nerves, excitement, and I-get-to-meet-Nate mania. But we did take a moment to enjoy the view (we were in an awesome corner room with two amazing city views) before we headed off to our morning taping.

Berkus View From Hotel

By around 7:30 we were settled in the green room, where my mom (who lives in NY) met us to play babysitter while we got our Nate Berkus on. It was actually the first time we had an official “babysitter” since Clara’s birth five months ago. So even though we would only be gone for a few hours of rehearsing and taping I was totally that person. You know, the nutjob mom who spouts off info like “if she seems tired she likes to be held like this, and she likes when you rub her back like this, and then she might want to stand so hold her like this, and then she might want to read a book but only for a few minutes…” Of course everything was fine and my mom didn’t need the ridiculous Clara crash course at all. And look how cute our offspring looks on the almost baby-sized settee in our private green room (complete with fresh eats and flowers). Seriously, who did they think we were? We would have been happy to hang out in a cardboard box.

Berkus Clara Green Room

Then it was time to get our faces on. Yep, even John got powdered up. And look how much makeup it takes to make me TV ready. See all that stuff in the foreground? I needed it all. The two makeup & hair gals were awesome (there was even one named Sherry, spelled my way) and they regaled us with tales of making people beautiful on soap opera sets and movie lots.

Berkus Make Up

And as if the day weren’t awesome enough, then we ran into Mrs. Limestone who was also scheduled to be featured in the same show (read more about how she ended up on another episode here). It was so amazing to meet her after years of being virtual blog buddies. And she was just as beautiful and sweet in person. Her hubby was awesome too. And of course they killed it on the show, eliciting tons of well deserved oohs and aahs when they showed a few of their jaw-dropping before and after house pics.

Nate Show Pic

We don’t have any first-hand pictures beyond this because we weren’t allowed to take photos in the studio. But after a quick rehearsal, a speedy make-up touch-up, a last minute Clara feeding, and some mic-age we walked out there and taped the show. They don’t post full episodes online, but here’s a clip of us doing our little ditty about using unconventional items for quick home makeovers (yes, I do scream “pickle jars”):

And here’s a clip of the design challengers revealing their final rooms (and us judging the results):

Here’s where I’ll go off on a vain rant. I also learned that when on TV I should follow the FIB rule (FIB= fitted is better). I don’t know why I thought a bright red flowy shirt was the way to go, but after I caught a glimpse of myself in the monitor I knew I made a mistake. I giant red lollypop-esque mistake. So to any other self-conscious not-quite-back-to-your-pre-baby-body moms out there I offer this advice: flowy isn’t good. Unless the body shape you’re going for is round (and you want your aunt to call and ask if Clara is getting a brother or sister). So now I know. But on the bright side, in the looking-crazy department, I felt like I did my creepy perma-smile thing and clapped a little too enthusiastically, but overall it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Most times I could be found just gazing at Nate…

Nate Close Up Faces

… and waving my hands around wildly (it looks like I’m yelling at one of the contestants here but I promise I was nice).

Nate Judging Shot 2

But enough self-dissection. Back to the story. It was an out of body experience. Words can’t describe how funny, gracious, and amazing Nate was. Not only did he personally compliment our house and our design sense on and off camera (at one point I felt like I was melting into a happy little puddle on the floor) but he gave us a whole new respect for how hard the whole TV thing is. He didn’t just have to master basics like how to read a teleprompter, think on his feet, and keep the audience engaged, he also had to memorize which camera to look at while delivering each segment (and there were at least 6 cameras in different locations and positions). Sometimes it felt more like a choreographed dance than a show. Mad props to Nate Dog.

And did I mention we got pretty chummy onstage? I mean, check out how close our hands got in this shot of us discussing the merits of burlap.

Nate Myhand Nateshand

We had barely finished recording our last segment when a producer whisked us off set and told us we had to run to catch our flight (they graciously booked us on the earliest one possible so we could make it back to Richmond just in time to entertain Katie, Jeremy, and Will Bower who were spending the weekend with us. We ran out so quickly we barely had time to geekily snag the paper placard from our green room door. And it’s only a coincidence that we snapped this photo with it in front of NYC’s very own Home Depot as we sped sat in traffic on the way to the airport.

Berkus In Car With Sign

Despite all the traffic we had plenty of time to kill at the gate, which was quite entertaining for Clara since she was more awake for this trip to the airport than the one the night before. Look at that TV ready smile. Too bad she didn’t get to be the third judge (although I doubt her squeals and dribbles would be as adorable to everyone else as they are to us).

Berkus Clara Happy Airport

And since we were traveling during the day this time, she not only squeezed in a nice quick nap on the plane, but also enjoyed some alert time to look out the window and soak up the view. We are SO GRATEFUL that Clara’s first two plane trips were so smooth. We feared the zip-in-zip-out plan might throw her off and result in a very sad baby indeed, but she’s such a great little travel buddy. Just happy to go with the flow and see new things.

Nate Airplane Fun

Anyway, happily our little family of three made it home just in time for the arrival of the Bowers. And boy was Burger happy to see us (thankfully John’s sister Emily fed, snuggled, and pottied him while we were gone, just like she did when we were in the hospital with Clara).

Berkus Family Flight

So that’s the story of flying to NYC on a day’s notice and returning within 22 hours of leaving. In fact we both woke up on Saturday morning and had the same though: was that all a dream? Were we really in NYC the morning before? We didn’t really believe it until we saw the episode yesterday. Turns out it really happened. Somebody pinch slap me.

All images and video clips of the show, courtesy of thenateshow.com.

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Comments

  1. Avatar for MeredithMeredith says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:40 am

    You guys were adorable. I DVR’d it and watched it after work. So fun to see you on TV!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for JoannaJoanna says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:40 am

    Watching the clip of the DIY tips, I can’t believe how much taller John is than you, Sherry!

    “PICKLE JARS!”

    Reply
  3. Avatar for ValerieValerie says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:41 am

    Great job! So happy for you guys! What’s next, your own show??

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Ami @ beyondpeasandcarrotsAmi @ beyondpeasandcarrots says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:42 am

    I agree with what the other ladies said Sherry… you didn’t look round AT ALL! Having just had a baby 10 weeks ago when I saw you I actually said out loud “oh man I hope I can look that good again”.

    I also laughed out loud at the pickle jar comment! You guys always say how you aren’t nearly as cool in real life as you seem on the blog… but you still seemed pretty cool on tv ;). I also really enjoyed when John said he was JLO.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Rachel @ The Avid AppetiteRachel @ The Avid Appetite says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:44 am

    What an amazing experience! So well deserved! You two are awesome!!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for ElisaElisa says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:44 am

    Well, never thought I could be so happy for people I’ve never actually known. But I am so happy for you guys!! Kudos to timing the flight with Clara’s sleep schedule. And I laughed out loud at the shot of your hand next to Nate’s hand. Hahaha.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Nicole G.Nicole G. says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:45 am

    Gosh, I love you guys!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for kellykelly says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:45 am

    great job on the show! how exciting!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Michelle @ Ten JuneMichelle @ Ten June says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:46 am

    You guys were great! I didn’t get home from work until almost 11:30 pm and what was the first thing I did after kissing the hubby and grabbing some (very late) supper? Turn on the DVRed version of John & Sherry on Nate! I looked forward to it all day :) You guys are too cute!

    And Sherry, you are cracking me up with your little crush on Nate because I feel the same way. Is it not every girl’s dream to brush hands with Nate Berkus while discussing burlap? Ha ha. Great job guys. Congratulations!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:47 am

    I’ve been following your website for the past year and have been so inspired by your DIY journey!

    You are a power couple who makes us feel good about spending less!

    Congrats and keep spreading the knowledge that gives your readers so much joy! :)

    Love-

    Melissa

    Reply
  11. Avatar for CaroleCarole says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:48 am

    congrats, well done!

    I think that colour of red looks great on you, btw!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for amyamy says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:49 am

    can’t sherry be your celeb crush now after all of this publicity john? =)

    you guys were awesome on the show!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:51 am

    You guys were awesome!! And Sherry, I thought you were gorgeous. We’re all our own worst critic, but you were beautiful, and you both did a great job with the craft segment and the judging – very charismatic and knowledgeable, and you looked like you had such a fun time judging! I’m glad you guys had such a great time (and that little Clara did well and got to see her gramma too)!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for katie @ k+bkatie @ k+b says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:52 am

    ahhhh you guys, im so proud! i sat watching with the nervousness and excitedness as if i actually KNOW you guys. hahaa… but seriously, awesome job. i can’t even imagine. yayy!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Beth @ bethcooksBeth @ bethcooks says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:53 am

    I thought y’all did great! It was so neat to see you on primetime TV! It was on at 6pm here, so I watched you while I was cooking dinner. Great job you guys!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for EveEve says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:54 am

    Saw you guys yesterday on the show – you did a great job!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for Jessica @ How SweetJessica @ How Sweet says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:54 am

    Congrats guys!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Susan @ Retro RestylingSusan @ Retro Restyling says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:54 am

    PICKLE JARS!!!! Amazing! This post was seriously what I needed to get my smile on today! Yeah, and don’t beat yourself up, that blouse was really cute. It snugged you around the waist, I love shirts like that. :)

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Katie @ Katie Beth InteriorsKatie @ Katie Beth Interiors says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:55 am

    wow this is so awesome! I can’t wait to see the episode!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for LisaLisa says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:58 am

    Sherry, I totally share your Nate crush. And not to worry, I thought you looked stunning! Great job guys :)

    Reply
  21. Avatar for KimKim says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:04 am

    Sherry, we’re always harder on ourselves – I think you look beautiful (and not round or lollipop-ish or pregnant)! What an awesome opportunity!!!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for TanisTanis says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:05 am

    Great job! I watched the show yesterday just to see you guys on it, you were adorable as expected! Congrats!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Gloria RuffGloria Ruff says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:06 am

    Sherry, Not only do you look amazing – you ARE amazing! What fun to watch you guys yesterday. You were both great and I was so proud of my favorite bloggers.

    Reply
  24. Avatar for Jenn L @ peas and crayonsJenn L @ peas and crayons says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:06 am

    AHHHH SO FLIPPING EXCITING!!!!!! Now they need to come to their senses and give you guys your own show =) Burger too! <3

    Reply
  25. Avatar for Halley (Blunder Construction)Halley (Blunder Construction) says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:07 am

    This is too funny! I love the screen shot of your hands almost touching! Also love the pics of Clara propped up on the bed/couch, kind of an super-easy version of Where’s Waldo. Congrats!!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for Suzie @ cupcake monkeySuzie @ cupcake monkey says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:08 am

    I watched! You guys were adorable!! I just assumed you guys would be doing one segment!…had no clue you would be on the whole show as judges! How awesome!! So great!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for justine Wicksjustine Wicks says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:08 am

    Okay this is gonna sound so dorky, but when I watched I was like , “I know them!” Well, at least that’s how i feel when i read your mega-blog everyday:) You did awesome on the show. (I just wanna know when HGTV is gonna find out about you and offer you all your own show!)

    Reply
  28. Avatar for MaryelizMaryeliz says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:10 am

    You guys were such naturals on camera. And I thought you both looked gorgeous. (No complaints about that shirt at all, Sherry!) Hope you get to do more like this, because you are both so endearing…. and your ideas are great, too!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for LesleyGLesleyG says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:10 am

    I thought you guys did great! You both looked fun and enthusiastic– I’m sure everything TV people want guests to be. Congrats on an awesome job!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for MSMS says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:11 am

    Oh my gosh, OHMYGOSH!!! Sitting at my desk reading this with a perma-smile. Congrats guys, this is so wonderful!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:11 am

    Sherry, before I even read your “vain rant,” I was thinking what a nice outfit choice you made for TV. The FIB rule might be true, but I still think you look effortlessly elegant and cool. :)

    Reply
  32. Avatar for MandeMande says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:13 am

    I especially liked how when they cut to shots of you two it would say “DIY Experts” on the bottom!! Loved you on the show, judges! You both rocked and Sherry you looked beautiful!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Rachel AustinRachel Austin says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:17 am

    You guys were awesome! I got in a panic yesterday around 11 am, when I realized I did not set the DVR yet…. But no worries, Nate doesn’t come on here until 3pm.. Whew!! You guys did great and I loved the Nates Crate Segment.. Who doesn’t crush on Nate anyway!! Love you guys!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for suzannesuzanne says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:17 am

    Congrats you two!! What an amazing experience. You both looked fantastic and did an awesome job!!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for SusanSusan says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:17 am

    Thanks for sharing the experience! I thought you looked great! Who knows, this may be the start of something new for you two.

    Reply
  36. Avatar for Amanda ShepardAmanda Shepard says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:17 am

    that is the coolest thing ever!!!!!! congrats! so happy you got to do that. :) and you looked lovely in red.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 26, 2010 at 11:19 am

      Aw shucks you guys. Thanks for all the kind words! We’re beaming over here.

      xoxo
      s (& j)

  37. Avatar for eyeseeprettyeyeseepretty says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:19 am

    Was so excited to flip on my PVR and see you on the Nate show. You guys rocked!

    Reply
  38. Avatar for ShelleyShelley says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:21 am

    A Nate-endearing moment…I can’t remember if it was from your show or the day before, (I had DVR’s a couple shows and watched them at once), but I thought it was totally adorable when Nate was discussing a bedroom design dilemma with a young woman and he thought her parents were both men. Then she corrected him and said those were her brothers. It was so cute the way he was like, “I should be the last one to judge…” He just handled it in such a cute way.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 26, 2010 at 11:22 am

      Oh yeah that was our show. We were crying from laughing so hard in the audience. It was the funniest thing ever. And you’re right- Nate was so cute about it!

      xo,
      s

  39. Avatar for Abby @ a delightful designAbby @ a delightful design says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:23 am

    You rocked the show! It was so nice to not see someone from Hollywood and instead it was you!! You were both very poised and at home in front of the camera. Wishing you many more successes in your endeavors.
    abby

    Reply
  40. Avatar for DharmaDharma says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:23 am

    Loved the “Bob and Jim” moment from yesterday’s show…..you guys were great! Loved the burlap bit :)

    Reply
  41. Avatar for PattiPatti says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:24 am

    Loved you guys on the show! I’m sure you both must have been nervous, but you didn’t show it at all, you’re so natural and have great chemistry! I think you should have your own show! Are you listening DIY or HGTV??

    Reply
  42. Avatar for AnnapolitanAnnapolitan says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:28 am

    I melted seeing that photo of Clara on the hotel bed. This clinches it: you really do have the Cutest Daughter In The World. Congrats.

    I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who was thinking this is really an audition for Young House Love, the TV series. :-) Someday, Sherry, Nake Berkus will be blogging about how close his hand was to yours.

    Reply
  43. Avatar for Kevin MKevin M says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:30 am

    I happened to be home from work yesterday and my wife turned on the show about halfway through. I forgot about it, but we did catch the end where you picked the Nate’s Crate winner. I thought you guys did great and hope you benefit from the TV exposure, you certainly deserve it.

    Maybe I missed it, but did Nate’s show tell you how they found you/decided you were going to be on the show?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 26, 2010 at 11:31 am

      Nate himself actually said he found our site! He was looking for DIY judges and thought we were good at working with what we have! Amazing.

      xo,
      s

  44. Avatar for ShrutiShruti says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:33 am

    Sherry,

    Just wondering if there’s a reason why they told you not to wear black. Is that some kind of TV thing I’m not aware of??

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 26, 2010 at 11:34 am

      Hey Shruti,

      They say not to wear white, black, or busy patterns on TV (since they can wash you out, look bland, or look crazy on camera).

      xo,
      s

  45. Avatar for Nancy M.Nancy M. says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:35 am

    I made it a point to watch your episode yesterday. You guys did great! I think your energy and enthusiasm were perfect to match Nate’s. Oh, and for the record, I totally agreed with Sherry’s pick for the winner. Congrats on getting to knock something off your bucket list!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for DebbieDebbie says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:35 am

    We don’t have television in our house so I haven’t watched the whole episode, but I caught the clip of your inconventional decorating items on the internet and love it. I probably would never have though of the burlap table runner.
    Congrats you guys!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for AlisonAlison says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:37 am

    Congrats guys! Surreal, isnt it?

    Reply
  48. Avatar for JeannetteJeannette says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:37 am

    You guys were amazing on the show! I hope he’ll have you guys back often!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for sonyasonya says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:38 am

    Sherry, I thought you looked beautiful (you too, John- haha :)). I’ve seen myself on TV before so I know how it’s easy to be critical of yourself and every detail… but I thought you guys looked (and acted) like total pros! I really enjoyed the segment and hope you get lots of publicity for your site from this. Congratulations!

    Reply
  50. Avatar for The SThe S's Beach House says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:41 am

    Loved the show yesterday! I can see Nate brining you guys back for sure!

    Reply
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