'My walls are reserved for art' – why designer Nate Berkus believes gallery walls are not the place for family photos (and where he puts them instead)
Displaying family photos gives any home a familiar, personalized touch, and Nate says this is his go-to way to let them shine


Displaying artwork and family photos throughout your home is a surefire way to add character, charm, and personality. Whether you're a seasoned art collector or simply like to see your family members' smiling faces as you walk throughout your space, it's a key part of any design aesthetic that you shouldn't skip over.
The gallery wall is a time-honored go-to for displaying art and heirlooms of all kinds, offering an eye-catching focal point that includes a wide range of pieces. And even though designers stand by the gallery wall, it isn't the only way to show off your favorite frames.
In fact, celebrated interior designer Nate Berkus says that he goes an entirely different route when arranging family photos in his home. Here, Nate shares why he finds gallery walls 'charming,' and explains his alternative approach to decorating with family heirlooms and photos – the first step is a vintage picture frame.
A post shared by Nate Berkus (@nateberkus)
A photo posted by on
In a video posted to Instagram, Nate says that he's often asked what he thinks about gallery walls. After giving the question some serious thought, he's made up his mind – he 'find[s] them to be really charming' – but he tends to opt for gallery wall alternatives instead.
'I think there's something really special about walking through your space in a hallway or on one wall of a family room, just seeing this collection of imagery that reminds you of everyone you love and memories that you've made,' he continues. 'But for me personally, my walls are reserved for art, or painting, or sculpture, or things that might be a bit more graphic and a bit less personal.'
A post shared by Nate Berkus (@nateberkus)
A photo posted by on
Nate may prefer to display more abstract artwork on the walls as opposed to family photos, but he doesn't shy away from putting memories in the spotlight across his home. Instead of putting them in frames on the walls, as standalone pieces, or as part of a gallery wall, the designer says that he tends to place family photos in vintage frames.
'I have – and have had for a long, long time – an enormous collection of vintage picture frames, and I love a special photo framed in an old frame on a tabletop, in my dressing room, on my desk at work,' says Nate. 'Everyone who knows me knows, give me an old silver frame, an old leather frame, an old alligator frame, an old parchment frame, or wood – I love collecting vintage picture frames.'
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Vintage frames can be spotted throughout Nate's New York City home, which he shares with Queer Eye star Jeremiah Brent and their children, and his office. On the kitchen countertops, under a vintage mirror in the office, and on his nightstand, frames of all kinds display family photos beautifully. Plus, unique vintage frames make excellent gifts, says Nate: 'Think about it in terms of your next housewarming gift. It's something that people just have forever.'
Try out Nate's photo-displaying method by opting for two to three vintage frames grouped together on an empty surface. By carving out space for your favorite memories across the house, you'll be setting yourself up for joy and inspiration, and adding a characterful element to your home decor, all at the same time.

Abby was the Interior Design News Editor at Homes & Gardens and is now studying for her Master's degree in Journalism at City University, London. Prior to joining our team, she worked with Better Homes & Gardens, where she wrote and edited content about home decor, gardening tips, food news, and more. She studied Journalism and English Literature at New York University and moved to London to pursue her love of writing in 2023.
-
How to grow a nutmeg tree – professional gardeners reveal the secrets behind cultivating the tropical evergreen for treasured spice
You can get two highly-prized spices from one tree if you live in a warm climate
-
Salvador Dalí's '60s terrace embodies the Spanish landscapes that inspired a generation of modern artists – now, Mediterranean gardens are trending again
Archival images of the surrealist painter's terrace show the cypress trees, olives, and limestone that exemplify the Costa Brava – it will never go out of style
-
Nate Berkus' vintage finds are the perfect desk accessory – here's how to use second-hand items to make your workspace feel more characterful
Nate proves to us that vintage pieces are the perfect way to create a chic at-home desk area that feels refined and inspiring
-
Nate Berkus just shared his recent vintage find – here's why the designer swears by vintage lighting to add character to a room
Nate Berkus shows us his antique lamp and explains the power of incorporating vintage pieces into the home
-
Jeremiah Brent and Nate Berkus's beautiful kitchen transformation leaves interior designers in awe – their statement marble island is utterly stunning
It's safe to say the latest Queer Eye heroes' homes are definitely in safe hands with Jeremiah
-
Nate Berkus shares the one thing you should always have in your home – and it can make your room feel much bigger and taller
It's the oldest trick in the book, but Nate Berkus reminds us how simple it can be to use mirrors to 'expand' a space
-
Nate Berkus has made a stylish focal point of vertical space in this awkward small living room
Doubling up as storage and a beautiful display, it's the perfect way to maximize a bijou space
-
'Everything in here serves a purpose' – Jeremiah Brent walks us through the memory-filled media room he shares with husband Nate Berkus
With a bookshelf that tells a story and personal touches in every corner, this room proves that the best design schemes are packed with personality
-
These are the antique pieces Nate Berkus regrets leaving behind – years after leaving his beloved New York City townhouse
For vintage lovers, moving can prompt some big decisions. These are three of the pieces Nate wishes he held on to
-
Nate Berkus just revealed his 'favorite porcelain pattern of all time' – we tracked down these timeless vintage pieces
The antique-loving interior designer says it's best to track this iconic porcelain down secondhand. Here's what to know