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Cortney Novogratz

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Jul 23

Home by Novogratz: Cortney Dishes on Family Play Spaces

  • by in Design Inspiration, Designers & Shops, HGTV On-Air
  • 87 Comments

We love designing for our seven children, so the Everett family basement makeover was a blast! Even though the logistics of creating a bright and fun entertaining space for three kids and two adults is challenging enough, but we wanted to make this basement extra special with an emphasis on art and family memories.

Ultimate Art Space for Kids

Scott and Elyse’s kids are very creative, and they had accumulated loads of their art work with no place to hang it all, so we knew this had to be a focus of our design. Their new ultimate art space for kids now includes a wall stacked with pull-out craft paper, a wall covered in chalkboard paint and a cork board covered wall perfect for displaying art. And because it can be heartbreaking to part with our children’s art but eventually it can become cumbersome to keep it all, we went with the “shrink art” solution for the Everett family (something we’ve done with our own kids’ art.) Our friend and artist Jan Eleni makes wonderful archival solutions for displaying and enjoying your prolific young artists’ work forever.

Black and White Family Photos Wallpaper

We wanted mom and dad’s area of the basement to be full of personal keepsakes, just like the kids’ space. So we designed a focal wall covered in beautiful black-and-white wallpaper made from their family photos. This is a super easy project you can create online using one photo or a collage of photos for about $10/sq.ft. Adjacent to the family photo wall hangs an Ann Carrington original made with some help from our kids. The backing on the flag art is magnet boards that can be found at most home improvement stores.

Slide Staircase

Last week, we created a flirty pink-striped staircase for two surfing sisters. Well, clearly we can’t get enough funky staircases, because we did a playground style one this time — complete with a slide! In the show, wasn’t it fun to see the kids and parents can slide down to their new basement?

CORTNEY NOVOGRATZ is one half of the husband and wife design duo (and parents of seven kids), The Novogratz. Residents of New York City, the couple, who have traveled the world for inspiration, are known globally for turning ordinary spaces from funky into fabulous. Luxury homes, boutique hotels, retail spaces, even schools have been transformed in their distinctive, colorful, eclectic style. Authors of Downtown Chic (Rizzoli), an exploration of their love of design, decorating and the evolution of their style, Cortney and Robert’s new TV series HGTV’s Home by Novogratz airs Saturdays at 10p/9c, where the couple takes on a series of dazzling makeovers of all types done with tons of creativity and a limited budget. Follow them on Twitter at www.twitter/thenovogratz.

Posted at 10:30 pm

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  • 87 Comments

87 Comments

  1. Fabulous…….now this is how to decorate. Wonderful in every way.

    greylady46 on July 23, 2011 at 10:34 PM

  2. What company did you use for the photo wallpaper? I am interested in doing this. Also, did you create a certain sized collage that you then had printed? THanks!

    Shelley Haganman on July 23, 2011 at 9:41 PM

  3. If they are going to be doing the American Flag they ought to research it and do it right.
    there are only 13 stripes on the American Flag and the eighth strip under the blue stars should
    be white not red or whaterver color they were using. The American Flag should be done right, no matter
    what kind of artist you are.

    CAS on July 23, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    • I agree!

      Guest on October 16, 2011 at 1:05 AM

    • It's art done with kids for something fun and spontaneous… have you heard the saying: "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"???

      tay on February 8, 2012 at 12:11 AM

  4. I love the shrink art project with the kids art projects. Where can I get this done?

    Alyssa G on July 23, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    • Alyssa – the artist who created that is Jan Eleni (http://janeleni.com/). You can read on her website about the shrink art. (I'm wondering if there might be a DIY way to do it using companies like zazzle or moo who print business cards.)

      Anna@HGTV on July 24, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    • Hi! I too am looking where I can go to get this done. Unfortunately, I went on Jan Eleni's website and for a 40-image print, prices start @ $950. I can't afford that. Does anyone know where you can get this done for much less?

      Michelle

      Michelle on August 4, 2011 at 11:01 AM

      • Go to Canvaspress.com You can decide whether you want a wall collage on wall paper or a canvas collage. Either way, it's WAY WAY cheaper than almost $1000! You can choose the size that works perfectly for your area as well. The employees are so nice about helping you too.

        Jennifer on April 24, 2012 at 9:07 AM

    • We've created a product page for this episode: http://marketplace.hgtv.com/Search.aspx?episode=H…

      Karli_HGTV on August 5, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    • I am going to experiment with taking photos of my kids' art, then emailing the photos to myself as jpg files. Then putting them into a document or PowerPoint and manipulating the size. Lastly, I'll convert to PDF and take it to a Kinko's to be reprinted on fine art paper. Cost of Kinko's printing is under $150.

      Judy on November 9, 2011 at 11:24 AM

  5. Loved the photo wallpaper. Would love some info on what company did it for you. Love the show!

    Kyrie on July 23, 2011 at 10:52 PM

  6. Loved the episode but would love info on the art supply organizer that was featured and how to get the wallpaper and the shrink art pictures done!

    MommaBee on July 23, 2011 at 10:58 PM

  7. They said in an interview with FOX News that they use a company called Duggal in New York City. I googled it and came up with http://duggal.com/

    Michelle on July 23, 2011 at 11:22 PM

  8. Also loved the photo wallpaper and would like to know about the art supply organizer too!

    Tara on July 23, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    • I loved the kids shrinkart frame I want to know where to go for it!!
      <3

      magicat223 on July 24, 2011 at 1:22 AM

      • Jan Eleni is the artist who creates the kids shrink art. (http://janeleni.com/)

        Anna@HGTV on July 24, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    • We've created a product page for this episode: http://marketplace.hgtv.com/Search.aspx?episode=H…

      Karli_HGTV on August 5, 2011 at 10:38 AM

  9. Found The art supply organizer here! http://www.mossonline.com/product-exec/product_id…

    Karen on July 24, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    • Thanks for find this. Wow, it sure isn't cheap though!

      HG.... on September 5, 2011 at 11:41 AM

  10. A 425.00 art organizer. The every day family cannot afford that! Where can i get one that is affordable?

    Kristi on July 24, 2011 at 1:57 AM

    • Try Ikea for something similar. Also Storables, if in your area

      ELC on July 24, 2011 at 2:54 AM

    • Would love to know what the entire room cost…most families would not be able to afford.

      Suzy on July 27, 2011 at 6:11 PM

      • Not sure on a total cost, but as they are in NYC, it will cost more than most cities in the US. What I think is awesome are all the tips Cortney shares in each episode and keeping those in mind while using ELC's suggestion of IKEA and cool "Fast Fix HGTV DIY projects like these: http://www.hgtv.com/kids_rooms/kids-photo-wall-mu…

        Anna@HGTV on July 27, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    • I saw the episode and also thought it was a great idea! just scan your pictures, print small versions of the art work /photo and glue and past to your poster board – or scan, arrange and take to kinkos to print in poster size paper…

      America on October 21, 2011 at 11:51 PM

  11. Shrink art collage. Click on Collage at the top of the page… http://www.janeleni.com

    Maryann on July 24, 2011 at 2:39 AM

  12. What exactly is the magnet board they used and where did they get it? It appeared that the surface was the magnet and anything metal sticks to it?

    Scot on July 24, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    • I'll see what I can find out. I remember Cortney saying you can find it at home improvement stores. I'm thinking sign shops would have it for those magnetic signs people put on their cars promoting businesses. Or painting magnetic paint on plywood would be an option.

      Anna@HGTV on July 24, 2011 at 8:21 PM

      • Thanks much, i tried my local home depot without success.

        Scot on July 25, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    • We've created a product page for this episode: http://marketplace.hgtv.com/Search.aspx?episode=H…

      Karli_HGTV on August 5, 2011 at 10:39 AM

      • Hi Karli, product list still doesn't have a source for the magnet boards used to make the flag. would really love to find it, as I have an autistic child who loves collecting found coins and metal bits and I thought the idea of the magnet board to house his treasures would be great. his birthday is in a week and I have been searching like crazy. Thanks for any information – Scot

        Scot on August 7, 2011 at 5:29 PM

  13. There was a short clip of Cortney and a Brooklyn artist who made art from scraps of wood. Do you have the name of that artist? Thanks

    Pam on July 24, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    • Gosh, I don't remember that in the show. Do you have more details you can share?

      Anna@HGTV on July 27, 2011 at 7:50 PM

  14. Where would I go to find magnetic board to make my own metal art?

    Stephanie on July 25, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    • Stephanie – they said in the show that local hardware and home improvement stores are a source, but I'm thinking companies that make those magnetic signs to go on cars promoting a copy are a possible route.

      Anna@HGTV on July 27, 2011 at 7:50 PM

  15. Watched the first episode- could not believe how incredibly bad the design was….

    And the second episode was even worse…

    Would not let these people anywhere near my house!

    mike on July 25, 2011 at 12:30 PM

  16. Ugg … just watched tonight's premiere episode …YUCK! This stuff will be dated in less than 5 years. It is not relaxing … they talked about best thing about the condo was the view – it still is, to escape this primary color mess. It is so distracting from the sea-side location and doesn't blend with the outside architecture at all. Sorry, but even some of the finishes were shotty – if you can tell on TV, then it has to be worse in person. Not impressed at all with these two.

    Daniel on July 25, 2011 at 6:35 PM

  17. this is a vacation condo, so not. I will cancel my DVR recording for this show.

    Rhonda on July 25, 2011 at 8:03 PM

  18. I like some elements of the Novogratz rooms, but do not like the overall effect of any of their rooms in the shows so far. Their rooms are dynamic for sure, but they are not rooms I could live in at all, and I have painted each room in my house a different color, so I am not afraid of color.

    Veni on July 25, 2011 at 9:51 PM

  19. Love the Novogratz and all their imaginative , fun, designs. My husband and I love to apply fun ideas into our home, and think outside the box. LOVE the SLIDE! We are in the process of renovating a new space now and would love the Novogratz to infuse their creative fun ideas any day! keep all of your creative unique ideas coming! Can't wait to see what's up next!

    Joey on July 26, 2011 at 8:53 AM

  20. Unfortunately I did not like his latest work at home from the beach. The master bedroom was yellow migraine and pink room all bored of the girl, I felt horrible. I think in this episode they (Novogratz)took too much coffee.

    Nancy on July 26, 2011 at 9:40 AM

  21. Unfortunately I did not like his latest work at home from the beach. The master bedroom was yellow migraine and pink room all bored of the girl, I felt horrible. I think in this episode they took too much coffee.

    Nancy on July 26, 2011 at 9:41 AM

  22. does anyone know how to get the brand and name of the YELLOW paint color used to paint the master bedroom in the Dave Barry remodel episode? I loved it and yellow is hard to find and like. I'd appreciate any info. thanks

    susy on July 26, 2011 at 1:18 PM

  23. I love this new show. I wish they would release full episodes, so I could send these ideas to my daughters. I could post there link on facebook for all my friends to see my new favorite design show.

    Katfish on July 26, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    • Katfish, hope you'll share the blog posts with your daughters. While full episodes aren't on the site, there are many encore presentations of each episode. Here's a link to the schedule: http://www.hgtv.com/home-by-novogratz/show/index….

      Anna@HGTV on July 27, 2011 at 7:48 PM

  24. In regards to Anna wondering if there might be a DIY method of creating a collage of mini digital prints of our kids art: There are many photo softwares out there that let one choose their own photos and then the software put them into a collage of many angles. If we took photos of our kids arts, then chose those photos in the software (Adobe, mine is Roxio Suite) the look wouldn't be columns and rows, but it WOULD be a fun colorful conversation piece collage. Additionally, after you print out your 8.5 x 11 print, take it to a local print shop that prints out commercial, architectural, or map items and they can roll in through their "machine" while enlarging it to your own specified frame size 16 x 20, etc. This would cost us around $50 excluding the frame which is substantially less than the minimum $950+ janelani.com charges.

    Barbara C on July 27, 2011 at 12:54 PM

  25. what materials were used for the slide staircase.

    jeremy on July 27, 2011 at 1:42 PM

  26. I loved the black and white carpet squares. I've searched "carpet tiles" on line and got only boring grey, brown, etc. Where did the great stripes come from? Appreciate your help.
    Jane

    Jane on July 27, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    • Hi Jane, I get mine at FLOR carpet tiles. They look like the same ones the Novogratz used. They have lots of great patterns.
      Joey

      Joey on July 28, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    • FLOR tiles…i've used t hem and they are great. request a catalog.

      susie gough on July 30, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    • We've created a product page for this episode: http://marketplace.hgtv.com/Search.aspx?episode=H…

      Karli_HGTV on August 5, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    • We've created a product page for this episode: http://marketplace.hgtv.com/Search.aspx?episode=H…

      Karli_HGTV on August 5, 2011 at 10:40 AM

  27. Where did you get the white round lamp above the table????

    Danelle on July 28, 2011 at 2:54 AM

  28. I have watched around three of the Novogratz HGTV shows at this point. I saw the one with the slide to the basement. I must say that when I saw there was no railing to prevent a fall even near the slide, I was shocked. It looks like "A Dangerous Accident Waiting to Happen"! This was a house with small children. The designers have several children so they should know this was Not a Safe Plan for a Slide! When homes are under construction they can not sell the home before a handrail is installed!!! So I am sure that a zoning code officer would Not have approved this slide/ stairway design "especially" with children! They would not even approve that on a play ground outside.

    Another show I saw was the beach home. I also, do not think the design went well at all with beach living. ( Not that you have to always choose a beach theme for a home at the beach.) The designs looked like they would be outdated within a year and the colors were terrible. Too, much pink in the teen girls room. She said she liked pink but that the designers could choose others as well. Duh, this gave the designers "Other Options." Which the designers did not take advantage of even a little! The Duct Tape on the boys beds was Poorly Applied to say the least! If that showed up that bad on my TV it must have been far worse in person! The black & white theme in the living room has been used over and over. They really need some new ideas. If they are out of good creative, long term safe ideas this early in the programs people will lose interest Very Quickly! I know I am!

    I also thought the Novogratz designers were too critical of the new designers on Design Star when they were on that show. There complaints were very nit-picky and made them come across like they were "looking" for something to find wrong with the designs instead of trying to be helpful. I do not feel they are anyone to critique another designer's design. Someone should critique theirs!!! They need to Get Over Themselves!!!

    Michelle on July 28, 2011 at 6:12 PM

  29. Would like to locate one of the craft organizers. Anyone happen to see who made it?

    clynnboden on July 28, 2011 at 7:01 PM

  30. Can you tell me where I can get the wall organizer for school supplies that you put in the basement? It was on the July 23rd episode. Thanks.

    Kate on August 3, 2011 at 9:24 AM

  31. We've created a product page for this episode: http://marketplace.hgtv.com/Search.aspx?episode=H…

    Karli_HGTV on August 5, 2011 at 10:41 AM

  32. Hot mess.

    Ram on August 6, 2011 at 2:55 PM

  33. where can I find the wall mounts for the paper rolls? looking for a play room but all the ones I find seem to have some pretty gnarly blades, I would like a blade free version.

    jmillaway on August 6, 2011 at 7:30 PM

  34. Where could I find instructions for the slide?

    Lin on August 7, 2011 at 10:26 AM

  35. Cortney and Rob are an awesome duo! I bet their brains are as colorful and playful as their creations are. Love to watch how their eyes and mind bring the wonderful and delightful results in their work. Love them and love their beautiful kids!

    Wasabi on August 15, 2011 at 12:22 AM

  36. is it me or does every episode have letters, murals, and assorted lighting creating a chandelier? wondering if these people can actually design a room using something new….

    bored already on August 21, 2011 at 9:08 PM

  37. Does anyone know where to get the mesh globe pendant light?

    Joanne on August 27, 2011 at 1:11 PM

  38. I would like to know about the "shrink art". I would love to know how to do it myself for all my daughters artwork or find someone in my area (Waldorf, MD) that can do this for me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

    Deb C. on September 9, 2011 at 11:50 PM

  39. I do not believe that their style is something that will be popular enough for any length of time for them to stay in business. It is not cozy and comes close to being childish. I think it may be popular for awhile among teen-agers and college students,. but even this group will want something more classy and adult when they grow up!

    cyndi on October 8, 2011 at 10:00 PM

  40. Where can I order the paper rolls and wall mounts?

    khermiz on October 16, 2011 at 8:54 PM

  41. I don't always like the way this couple decorates, however; I loved the the new Manhattan Triplet's bedroom. It was very inovative, great colors and simple…..nothing funky or weird!

    Debbi Sanders on October 25, 2011 at 7:49 PM

  42. Great Work!! Best Collection of Art and Hobby Supplies. Really helpful to get new ideas.

    Thanks
    weecantooart.com

    Natural Crayons on November 2, 2011 at 10:09 AM

  43. I like a lot of the elements they incorporate into their designs and they have some really fun ideas. The overall room designs a bit over the top for my taste but I like watching the show to get unusual ideas I might not think of myself.

    topazdream on November 9, 2011 at 4:09 PM

  44. I loved this episode – especially the poster of the children's art work shrunk down. What a great way to keep and honor the children's art! Awesome design work!!

    Amy on January 31, 2012 at 2:39 PM

  45. Several people looking for supplies to recreate bottle cap flag or other design and no one- not even hgtv marketplace has replied. Does anyone know where to get the caps, nails or whatever and the proper board?????

    carla on March 11, 2012 at 11:30 AM

  46. I saw the show on the family photo wall and fell in love with it.I have hundreds of family photos and want to create a wall comparable to the one you designed. Thank you in advance for your help.

    Toni on April 13, 2012 at 1:20 PM
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