Robert and Cortney Novogratz, who juggle decorating jobs in New York City while raising their 7 kids, host an entertaining show on HGTV that just wrapped up its first season called “Home by Novogratz.” Their unconventional style may not be for everyone, but it’s fun to watch them work, and the results are always kind of unexpected and interesting.
One of their most famous projects is their own townhouse. Here’s what it looked like when they bought it:
It was amazing to watch them create a home out of this space on their Bravo TV reality show “9 by Design” last year (I was disappointed when it wasn’t renewed for a second season–they chose to do the HGTV series instead). Here’s how it looks today:
Their townhouse is on the market for $17.45 million. A lot of the scenes on “Home by Novogratz” were filmed in this living room, so you may recognize this white piano and the very cool glass garage door that opens to the terrace:
On the show they now have a new rug in the living room that they designed for their own collection. It has the word “FAMILY” written across it in giant black letters. Here’s Cortney showing it off:
It comes in a colorful version, too. They used it in a makeover on their show on HGTV (the apartment’s living room before is on the left and the after is on the right, just in case you couldn’t guess!):
Back to their townhouse that’s for sale–here’s their bedroom with that huge Adid Aziz desk that had to be lifted through the window of the room with a crane (which makes me wonder if it stays for the next owner!):
They seem to approach decorating from more of an artist’s point of view than a traditional designer’s. We frequently see them starting a project by shopping for funky artwork and commissioning one-of-a-kind pieces for their clients.
We see the kitchen in almost every episode of the show, where Rob and Cortney work on their projects while their kids sit at the table with them, doing their homework:
The townhouse has 5 floors and over 7,000 square feet. It comes with a 2-car garage and its own indoor basketball court that converts into a private screening room. But one of the best selling points about the house may be the amazing river and city views:
Have you seen their show? Are you a fan? I just got a press release from HGTV saying that it’s been picked up for a second season that will begin airing in April of 2012.
For more photos and information, check the listing at Town Residential Real Estate. You can see photos of their work on HGTV.com and their website The Novogratz.
{ 48 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s an amazing place and I’d never get tired of the views! But 17 mil? Well, I’d do much more with that kind of money. I’d prefer a cozier place in a calmer location. Am I getting old???
Have a wonderful day, Julia!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
THANK YOU! I’d like to say I’m their number one fan:))) I’m in love with the two of them. I don’t know how many times I’ve thought to myself I wish they could come to Virginia and design my basement. I love their quirky out of the box style. Out of all the shows there were only a couple of things I didn’t like. LOVE THEM! What a fun life they have. Totally jealous!!
I recognize this family from an old magazine! About 10 years ago I saw a magazine spread about their (then) home, complete with year-around Christmas lights haphazardly hanging from the pricey artwork over the fireplace, and all their toys stored behind the couch in the living room, and children’s books on the living room shelves. A fun place to be a family! It really made me re-think my decorating ideas. Who was I decorating for? My precious family, or the imaginary people I thought I would entertain after I’d stashed all the evidence of 6 kids living here. I think of this family often, but I never knew their names. Thanks for sharing.
They will spend more for artwork than actual furniture. I don’t understand the logic.
Are you kidding?! (Good) artwork is forever while furniture gets stained, scratched and/or outdated and replaced. Beautiful artwork lasts literally forever and provides so much enjoyment every time you look at it.
Maybe your idea of art is posters and if so I can understand your comment. I’m talking about beautiful creative original works of art. THAT’S where to put your money!
Not a fan of the show. Their style is too funky and disjointed for me. That’s what makes the world go ’round, as they say!!
I’ve seen their show and think it’s fabulous – I’m amazed at their energy and creativity – of course, I especially love that kitchen – so full of light and bright.
Mary
The views are lovely, no doubt about it. But so is that STOVE! *swoons*
I actually DO love the show.. while not my style for my personal home. I love how out of the box they think.. and that they incorporate vintage pieces… “Green decorating”.. Very interesting.. a nice change from the usual design shows… and aside from that.. they make the chaos of all those kids seem easy and effortless.. lol
The family looks kind of familiar, so guess I’ve read of them…
But the show is not familiar, and I must look for it. Thank you.
Gentle hugs,
“Home, the spot of earth supremely blest, A dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest.” ~~Robert Montgomery
I love their show. Although it is not exactly my style, I learn something
from each show. It’s amazing how she can continue to work with all the
kids tugging at her. The show gives you a chance to see New York and all
those antique stores in many cities. The kids are great….they are so used to
packing it up and moving……..they are excited about what the next place will
be like.
Stopped watching after they “decorated” the exterior of their country house, that was so badly in need of a paint job it looked just this side of abandoned. Doesn’t matter how many mirrors, stripes, or Christmas lights you put up–do the maintenance first! I love shabby chic, but this was just plain shabby. Their city place looks too much like a showroom–or like Gwyneth Paltrow lives there. Do love the views and FAMILY rug, tho. To each his own.
I believe those views are of New Jersey, the townhouse is on the West Side Highway, so it faces New Jersey. The irony of course is that to have a great view of the NYC skyline you need to be in New Jersey or in Queens, not in NYC itself.
You are correct. The left side of the view (highrises) is the “Newport” neighborhood of Jersey City. To the left of center (flat) is train tracks, and to the right (clock tower) is the south end of Hoboken, NJ.
Signed,
Left Bank resident
^^ BTW, my view from the Left Bank is… the Novogratz townhouse, actually.
I’m a fan of the show, but I enjoyed the Bravo season more — and I know why. It featured much more of their beautiful children and home life.
I’m over the use of pictures as wallpaper in every re-model, but I like the way they think outside of the box and the creativity that unleashes. I may not do something exactly like they do, but I may re-create/interpret an idea that works in my home, in my own style.
P.S. I remember an episode on the Bravo season where they had a potential buyer look at the house. He was disappointed – it was a deal breaker – that there was no elevator (I agree!) and he did not want that monstrosity of a desk in the master.
I have really enjoyed their show. I wonder why they are selling. Maybe they need a new challenge?
I don’t like the style of the family’s townhouse. It doesn’t fit with style of the others. Plus, I am not a fan of Modern or Contemporary. I think it would have been better if they had restored the original.
I know they have been on TV for a couple of years now but I just discovered them about a month ago and the first episode I saw was the one with the family rug in it – which I covet. Then again, I am thinking knock off with a painted canvas.
Thanks for bringing this unorthodox style to the forefront on your blog. It is fun to mix things up a bit and you do that so well.
Pam
I’ve never seen the show, but oh I’m LOVING THAT VIEW!!!!
)
(Note to hubby if you’re reading: We MUST go back to NYC ASAP!!!
Their style is very clean yet funky. I love that they have 7 children…most artsy people I know aren’t into big families. We have 5 children so I know how busy they must be!
I liked their Bravo show much better than the HGTV show. I also think Courtney needs a makeover. She is so beautiful and needs to be refreshed.
I’ve watched the show. It’s OK. It doesn’t really seem that great to me. I love the warehouses with industrial chic look but their style just ends up looking thrown together to me. I don’t get how they have so much wealth from their jobs? There has to be more to that then just their design work. I see people throw together places in shops that have more imagination. I really don’t mean to come off snide I just don’t get it. Of course I’m sure people don’t get my style either.
I completely agree. This show is 1 of my least favorites. I’m trying my best to see The talent, but I just don’t. There’s very little slow and the finished product comes off just a bit too shabby. The lady from love it or list it or the designer of property brothers are much better.
I watched the show on Bravo and loved it! Their eye for design is just perfect. Thanks for showcasing this amazing home!!
Finally, a famous decorator that keeps the family at the center.
Their show is nauseatingly *hip*. Yawn.
Do admire their ability to earn a buck, however.
I love watching them work, the whole process from start to finish, even when the design isn’t particularly to my taste. I remember when that desk went in…it cracked me up, and I think one of them said that it was there for good!
Love the livley and colorful updates they did…
xo J~
I think they sound like a fun family. There style isn’t my favorite, but I might tune in just to see their fun NYC shopping trips.
I do love their style and panache!! Amazing space!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Thanks for posting this. I’m a huge fan of them! Love their style and how things are always funky, yet comfortable. I loved “9 by Design” and now their HGTV show too.
I seem to remember them saying on their last series that the desk was staying with the house when it sold.
In a perfect world Rachel Zoe and The Novogratz family would swap out their dining room chairs… just saying,
I was really bummed they didn’t come back on Bravo too! But at least they are still on TV, I do like thier HGTV show as well. That house is amazing! I love the big windows and the garage door that opens to their patio. I wish I could design homes and rooms all day with my hubby like Courtney does!
I love the Novogratz’s show, I watched them on Bravo too! I love that they have 7 children and decorate their home so fun and funky! They are inspiring whether you like their style or not….I think!
Too funky for me , but fun to look at. Keeps my perspective open!
Hi! LOVE their style – it’s unconventional, fresh and new – with pops of color and a great mix of modern and vintage. Their townhouse is gorgeous!!!
Caron
It’s gorgeous. I love the beds. But I would be totally paranoid about those giant windows showing me and my kids doing our business.
I loved the Bravo show better. I have a girl crush on Cortney she reminds me of a mix between Demi Moore and Susan St. James with a little Ali McGraw !!! So I watched the Bravo show more because I wanted to see her and her adorable cute named kids ! hahaha ! Their redos are a little predictable first Artwork thenVintage Shop then a handmade piece ! But overall I will continue to watch them. And yes Cortney needs a cute shoulder lenghth blunt cut — just sayin !!
Love this post! I was disappointed that Bravo didn’t renew a second series, but you better believe I will be tuning into this new show! I love their fun, eclectic style. It’s whimsical and definitely from an artistic perspective. I love watching their creative process, really inspiring! Great post, Julia!
Have a wonderful weekend!
I think these people are the worst “designers” on the
planet! It seems as though they just pick up any old
(but very expensive) piece they find and toss it in
with disjointed, unsophisticated, mishmash of cheap
looking decor. Ugh.
They are very likeable so I enjoy their show even when their designs aren’t my favorites. Very glad to hear their show was picked uP for another season!
I love their show. I just watched a basement makeover they did. They wallpapered a wall with wallpaper made from family photos and showed an artist who used shrink art to display the kid artwork. I’m inspired.
I have to agree with Lula. I watched their show a couple of times, and came to the conclusion that their jobs are what the next designer comes in to “fix” after they leave. Do they really make a living doing this?
In the before/after shots, the house to the right looks nothing alike. Are you sure it’s the right picture?
I’m taking their word for it that that’s the before, but I see your point! Maybe that building was rebuilt as well?
Hi,
HGTV is right, that is the shell of a former building of theirs (see here for the finished version http://www.magnificentme.com/edition_four/two_fancy/9_careering.html ). I think the original building was a garage? But I could be wrong. Something to note it is on the highway. The views are great, but there is lots and lots of fast traffic/noise.
Well,maybe since I am a child ofthe 60′s I love their show! Never saw the one one BRAVO. Their personal style; may not always be what I would like; but I would allow thwm to decorate my house anytime!! All you need to do is tell them what you want. They seem like very nice prople who design to make a living and because they love it! Also one must remember they live in NYC; where designs of many many types florish!
Also kudos to them for having their children around them when they work. That cannot always be easy; but obviously they love their children. :>)
To the “ladies” who did not want to sound snide: Here is a clue: You did. Lets see how you might look after having 7 children AND working AND keeping children with you much of your working day and night; or so it seem
If you cannot be nice don’t say anything at all. Some of us “girls” out here prefer not to wear make-up or much of it. Now you “nice ladies” trot on down somewhere and go get a manicure as I am sure your remarks would be more appreciated there.
Kuddos to Rob and Cortney! Drop by my house anytime (kids and all) for a glass of wine; cup of coffee.
I am not nuts about some of Vern’s contemporary designs; but I don’t jump all over Vern himself. Get it?
where can i get a sign from one of your shows that reads
“a guy walks into a bar…”
thanks
pat polo
I just saw this show for the first time today, I agree with the lady who noticed the shaby and not chic country home. Spot on. I was in disbelieve that the house was in such need of outside repairs and a paint job. And this was their home. A stripe of ugly yellow paint doesn’t cut it. I found that very odd…seeing they are in the business of selling their “talents” as “designers” that they would show that exterior to the world. I did watch the following episode, wow, just wow. Bad.
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