Design Happens

Robert and Cortney Novogratz is a couple after my own heart. Despite not knowing what they were doing, they set out to pursue their passions and build their dream home, refusing to cut corners or sacrifice their unique style. Now, after more than a decade and seven children later, they gut and renovate homes all over the world. Each property is different; each has a story. Fortunate for us, they’ve written about their adventures and shared what they’ve learned in a beautiful, rich book. For anyone perusing this blog, Downtown Chic is a must read.

Photo by Luc Roymans

With the help of Elizabeth Novogratz, Robert and Cortney take readers through their renovating projects with stunning color photographs and plenty of helpful hints and design wisdom along the way. It’s an easy read, and I found myself falling in love with this family and their style.

Novogratz master bedroom photo by Joshua McHugh

Robert and Cortney are big believers in decorating with art and artifacts from all over world. One of their favorite things to do is hunt for treasures overseas. Flea market finds, they say “are one of the easiest ways to bring charm to a house affordably.” And they are proponents of comfort and practicality. “Your home is not a museum,” they write. “Enjoy it.”

Photo by Bico Stupakoff

After the couple had successfully gutted in Manhattan, they took on a vacation home in Brazil, a 100-year-old farmhouse in Massachusetts and began their own design firm, Sixx Design. And that’s just a few highlights.

Photo by Dan Mayers