Book Review: Home By Novogratz Is…Sweet!

JACKET. Home by Novogratz, source: Home by Novogratz by Robert & Cortney Novogratz (Artisan Books). © 2012, photo by: Matthew Williams

Book Review: Home by Novogratz

I can’t quite remember the moment I began my decor crush on the dynamic design duo, the Novogratz, but I can tell you this, it’s probably gonna last a long while. Most likely, because we share these things in common: the love for family and the passion to create something unique and from the heart. This is evidenced by their close relationship with their seven very cool kids and the way Robert and Cortney design a room – like that of songwriters, arranging and orchestrating furniture, artwork and accessories with vintage-cool and eclectic strokes of genius. The obvious question is: “How do they do it?” (…design, that is).

Suzanne Vega’s NY apartment-Where We Ended. source: Home by Novogratz by Robert & Cortney Novogratz (Artisan Books). © 2012, photo by: Matthew Williams

So, this is what I was hoping to find the answer to in their newly released book Home by Novogratz. As I cracked open the cover (oh, goodie!), I felt like a kid on Christmas, just about to unwrap the present I wanted most. I was instantly delighted as even the endsheets of the book were cool – neon pink with a sort of wallpaper design of robots, flowers, dogs and badminton shuttlecocks…right?!?

Okay, so my husband was pretty much a decor widower for the next couple of days, my nose jammed between the pages filled with a smorgasbord of design inspiration, how-tos, “oh-that’s-so-cool-I’ve-gotta-try-that” refurbishing and repurposing ideas and so much more. When I finally came up for air I was completely gung-ho, all set to tackle my next HomeJelly project with a newly revised fervor. But, before I strap on my trusty tool belt, I thought I’d share some of my favorite morsels of Home by Novogratz and melt them down real nice for y’all.

5 Things I Loooove about Home by Novogratz:

1. Where We Started/Where We Ended

Where we started-Dream Duplex, pg. 141.

Where we ended-Dream Duplex, pg. 151.

Besides the fabulous 500 color photographs (finally, a design book that shows me, not just tells me!) AND the consistent and easy-to-follow step by step layout, I just adored this “before & after” description that started and ended each chapter. It helped me as a reader to understand the main goal of each room, the budget they had to work with and their clients’ wish list. Okay…we’re now literally all on the same page!

2. Ask the Expert

Ask the expert-Suzanne Vega gives us inside scoop on pg. 91.

It’s amazing what you can learn about home design from different types of professionals. I gained valuable insight from artists, musicians, textile designers, gallery directors, art dealers and others. Above, Suzanne Vega, (one of many songwriters I’ve studied and admired over the years), gives us the inside scoop on the importance of music, especially in our homes. Cool.

3. Totally doable How-Tos

Totally doable how-tos for intalling carpet tiles and stenciling a staircase, pg. 166.

On top of all the amazing design inspiration, we’re also furnished with some seriously doable DIY projects. These simple and interesting how-tos also reveal how down-to-earth and real the Novogratz are as people, self-taught designers who have really sparked a “can-do” belief in this decor nerd, for sure.

4. Budget Analysis

Budget analysis for the Village Railroad space, pg. 213.

Come on, you know you wanna know. We all do. How much does it cost to renovate, redesign, refurbish a space at the hands of a couple superstar designers? Well, we’re finally let in on the budget, (sans the designers’ fee…all respect to that B & C!) which offers us an appreciation as to what it can take money-wise to complete these types of projects.

Aaaaaand…5. Designer Cool Ideas

Repurposed chic design-vintage cabinet makes for a unique kitchen island, see pg. 44.

Hip mid-century mod inspiration-Hans Olsen classic dining set, learn more on page 21.

Unique and vintage cool design ideas-Model Home, pg.169.

Oh, the design candy! There are just so many fantastic ideas with pop-out great descriptions (look for the squares), and amongst the many, I was especially impressed by the Hans Olsen dining set which has catapulted to the top of my wish list. Psst! I’m currently on the hunt for one, so if any of y’all know where I can find a good deal…!

To sum up, I am quite certain you’ll be extremely pleased and inspired by Home by Novogratz; a reference and coffee table-worthy home design book any self-taught or professional designer MUST have. It’s just…soooo sweet.

Home by Novogratz
…available in hardcover now!

Oh, yeah! Watch Robert and Cortney in action on their HGTV show, appropriately called Home by Novogratz, Saturdays 7pm/6c.

…Gah, I’m such a nerd.

Bottom eight photos by Skaie Knox, HomeJelly