Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk Shares His Vision for Design at Tri Pointe Home Development

I was delighted to be invited to Winchester, California, to meet and interview Bobby Berk, a former member of the Queer Eye television series. I can confidently say he is even more likable, has a great sense of humor, and is more creative than you might have imagined.

Tri Pointe Homes Development Company

Tri Pointe Homes is a national development company recently recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune 2024. With an emphasis on energy efficiency, it has Low E glass, which is the hallmark of energy-efficient windows and tankless water heaters. Its designs are open floor plans constructed on one level.

Luminary Community

Within the neighborhood development of Outlook in Winchester, California, Luminary Community has four homes whose interiors are designed and executed so one can walk in and reveal the masterful design efforts of Bobby Berk.

My Interview with Bobby Berk

Bobby greeted me at the buffet table as I put some of the fruit from the buffet in my mouth. We laughed, for it’s one of those things you don’t want to happen. However, in this case, it was fun, and he broke into a big smile and laughed, saying, “Perfect.”

With lots of activity in the house, I helped select a quiet spot on the patio for the interview. The weather was perfect, and little did I know we would soon be surrounded by three cameras filming the interview.

Here is what I learned about his personal life:

• At age five, he knew he wanted to change his bedroom from red to blue. His mother helped him use birthday money to purchase blue sheets.
• He left his family and school at the age of 15 years.
• He had his first apartment in Springfield, Missouri, and happily created a space where he felt calm and relaxed.
• When he arrived in New York City with $100, he had no money for subways, so he walked to apply for positions.
• On the way up, he worked jobs, many two at a time, including a grave shift at a gas station, the Gap, Bombay, and Restoration Hardware—all of which he credits with helping him learn more about retail and design.
• He has no formal design training and is self-taught.
• Berk started Bobby Berk Brand Showroom in Manhattan in 2007, which grew into a full-service design company with many stores throughout the East Coast.
• As a team member of Queer Eye – he received an Emmy in 2023. He left Queer Eye on November 13, 2023.
• He moved to Los Angeles full-time with his surgeon partner and now works with Tri Point Homes.

Bobby Berk’s Design Philosophy

When I asked Bobby, what is your overriding belief about design? Without hesitation, he said,
The democratization of design. Design is for everyone—everyone can and should have a lovely home.

With that in mind, he developed a quiz to help people determine their décor style. He believes in his soul that they have one but, perhaps, cannot express it. He developed a set of questions that led to what the client would like the environment around her to look like.

Once the design preference is decided, clients can choose from 10 packages with specific colors and everything from drawer hardware to light fixtures.

He fully embraces the slogan of Queer Eye when looking at a present redecorating project, “It is More than a Makeover.” He further says,” Thoughtfully setting up your home for self-care.” It’s a place to relax and feel happy to come home.”

Things that bring you energy and happiness should surround you. Don’t worry if they match the décor. There is a way to include your favorite things.

Another crucial design element is the function of your space. He believes in incorporating feng shui in his designs to help execute the flow of your living space.

Smiling, as I remember, the living room in my former home was never used. Bobby believes in ensuring the living room is connected to where the activity takes place in your home. Thus, his designs often include an open concept with the kitchen in view.

What I Observed about Tri Pointe Homes Designed by Bobby Berk

The area in the development where Bobby designed homes is called Luminary. All four of his homes were lined up on the street, with signs hinting at the design elements essential in Bobby’s Work.

Wallpaper is strategically used and usually covers only one wall in a room.

Wood is used extensively throughout the homes.

The homes included rooms or small nooks for office space.

Displayed how a room could be turned into an exercise room.

The kitchens were open so the day’s chef could be part of the activities in the dining area and living room.

The backyards were low maintenance and designed for owners’ needs.

One had a white picket fenced-in area for dogs.

It was indeed a delightful morning. The drive from Palm Springs to Winchester, California, was about an hour. Not only was it easy, but at the end of the visit, we commented on how close Tri Pointe Homes development is to both Los Angeles and San Diego, making it easy for those seeking well-designed homes in an area just being discovered.

One more thing: I received Bobby’s new book, Right at Home. I find myself curling up with it at night. It is graphically beautiful, and I enjoy reading Bobby’s sync decorating tips and sense of humor. It is the perfect gift for someone moving or creating their first space to live and relax.