No strangers to interior design, celebrity couple Robert and Cortney Novogratz transformed this typical-looking apartment in NYC into a modern and inviting pad for their family.
Celebrity couple Robert and Cortney Novogratz have made a name for themselves designing and developing properties in Manhattan, Los Angeles and further afield.
Working under their eponymously named studio The Novogratz, their stunning projects have been documented in design magazines and on HGTV and Bravo, shows which also highlighted their hectic family life bringing up seven children.
Who Lives Here: Robert and Cortney Novogratz, children, and guests of the family
Home: A pied a terre in West Village Apartment, New York City
Size: 1,300 sq ft (120 sqm)
Interior Designers: Robert & Cortney Novogratz
![wa-06-683x1024-1 The brick accent wall provides texture to the white palette in the living room.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wa-06-683x1024-1.jpg)
Washington Square Park NYU
The Novogratzs recently expanded their extensive property portfolio to a garden level apartment in a historic brownstone steps away from Washington Square Park, one of the nicest and most historically important neighborhoods in Manhattan.
Home of New York University (NYU), this area is known as a neighborhood for creatives. The purpose of renovating this sun-drenched apartment was to create an open, loft-like space for the couple’s adult children whenever they were in the city.
“We were inspired to create the perfect guest space for our friends and family. The building is historical, so we wanted to preserve the space’s integrity and beauty. We were in need of a guest room, and this apartment is able to function as a guest house for us.” recalls Robert Novogratz, co-founder and principal designer of The Novogratz.
![wa-35-682x1024-1 Attention to detail means everything down to the alignment of the lights have to be carefully planned.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wa-35-682x1024-1.jpg)
Gut renovation
Being a gut renovation, this incredibly extensive process saw the existing structure taken down to the studs and the foundation and completely renovated.
“There wasn’t much there to keep as the house was crumbling from neglect. But nothing radical happened with this garden apartment, the renovation went well and quickly.” recalls Robert.
![wa-16-683x1024-1 The open kitchen offers convenience and becomes a source of interest to the decor of the dining area.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wa-16-683x1024-1.jpg)
At a relatively compact 1,300 sq ft (120 sqm), this self-contained apartment now has its own entrance and access to the garden, it also holds a good-sized bedroom and bathroom, and features laundry for absolute convenience.
![wa-17-683x1024-1 The wooden tabletop is complemented by the sleek design of the dining chairs in a similar material.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wa-17-683x1024-1.jpg)
Boffi kitchen
The couple kept the space very white and clean, with white oak floors and a Boffi kitchen. Everything used was also low-energy use in design and reclaimed wood was incorporated throughout the apartment.
![wa-20-683x1024-1 The intricate and colourful wallpaper design in the bedroom is a stark but lovely departure from the stateliness of the common spaces.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wa-20-683x1024-1.jpg)
Boutique hotel interior design
“We wanted to give the guest apartment a boutique hotel vibe, similar to the concept we have used to design boutique hotels in the past,” recalls Robert. To this end, The Novogratz continued their tradition of decorating spaces with a variety of pieces bridging both modern art and old-world design.
![wa-26-683x1024-1 The colours of the bedlinen match with those on the wallpaper, helping to bring the look of the room together.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wa-26-683x1024-1.jpg)
Vintage home decor
“We collect vintage and source it from all over the world, as well as in our own neighborhood. The art is bold, and we get it from many different sources,” states Robert.
“The picture of David Bowie in the apartment is by our friend and sometimes- collaborator Diego Uchitel. A large portion of the art is sourced from vintage shops as well. We are also very active on eBay and get first dibs on lots of unique finds! We used a mix of vintage pieces, fun art and Novogratz products throughout the apartment.”
![wa-25-683x1024-1 The designs of the cabinetry are kept simple in order to draw attention to the other details of the space.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wa-25-683x1024-1.jpg)
Kitchen
Robert reveals that one of his favorite areas of the apartment is the kitchen, where the couple had an extremely enjoyable time pulling pieces, art, and trying to find those perfect pops of color to light up the space.
The detailing in the bedroom is another highlight, here the combination of the exciting and strong-patterned wallpaper with a plethora of Novogratz decorative pillows create a fun and welcoming space.
![wa-32-683x1024-1 A huge artwork in the study sets the scene for work area.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wa-32-683x1024-1.jpg)
Landscape design
Apart from acting as developers, interior designers, decorators and architects, The Novogratzs even took on the role of of landscape designers. This entailed Cortney driving nearly all of the plants in the backyard from her favorite nursery near the couple’s house in the Berkshires.
![wa-38-682x1024-1 The curved edges of the mirror softens the look in the bathroom.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wa-38-682x1024-1.jpg)
Garden Apartment Airbnb
Since the Garden Apartment has been completed, the couple are incredibly happy with the results as as it turned out exactly as they had hoped and planned. They also report that their children, as well as other visiting friends and family, have been truly delighted by their stays in the Garden Apartment.
![wa-01-683x1024-1 The brick wall in this corner was left bare to juxtapose with the white walls.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wa-01-683x1024-1.jpg)
Airbnb for artists
This labour of love may be also be able to shared by more in the future as there are plans for the space include an Airbnb listing for artists visiting the city in search of a creative lodging. An ideal destiny for an eclectic and intimate space anchored in modern art.