The streets of New York City’s West Village are lined with historic buildings, each with its own unique story. Among them, a five-story Art Nouveau townhouse on Waverly Place stands out, not just for its vibrant gold exterior, but for the creative energy that fills its 7,200-square-foot interior. This is the latest project of design duo Cortney and Robert Novogratz, who have spent a quarter century transforming spaces into vibrant, lively homes.
The Novogratzes are no strangers to complex renovations. With seven children and a combined 25 years of experience in design and branding, they have tackled numerous projects, always with a clear vision and a willingness to embrace creative chaos. Their latest endeavor, a townhouse built in 1826, was in a state of disrepair when they purchased it in 2019. “We actually thought it might collapse at one point,” Cortney admits, recalling the extensive damage they encountered.
The Novogratzes’ Vision for a Historic Townhouse
The couple’s approach to renovation is rooted in preservation and transformation. They aimed to honor the building’s past while infusing it with their signature style. The townhouse’s previous owner, Celeste Martin, was known for her vibrant parties and artistic gatherings. The Novogratzes sought to capture that festive spirit, creating a space that is both a tribute to the past and a celebration of the present.
One of the most striking features of the townhouse is its ballroom, located on the fifth floor. With 24-foot ceilings and a huge arched window overlooking Waverly Place, the space is designed for entertaining. The Novogratzes added a bright yellow mantel, a baby grand piano, and a vintage sofa reupholstered in pink fabric, a nod to the building’s former exterior. The roof deck offers stunning views of both the Empire State Building and the World Trade Center, while the spacious backyard is designed to host parties, big events, and even weddings.
A Family Home with a Creative Touch
The Novogratzes’ townhouse is not just a showcase for their design work; it’s a family home. Their three youngest sons have their own rooms, each designed with a mix of personal style and products from the Novogratzes’ various collections. “I was honored,” Cortney says, reflecting on her children’s choices. The house is filled with pieces from their lines with Bed Bath & Beyond, WestPoint Home, and The Shade Store, as well as antiques and gallery-worthy art.
The entryway sets the tone for the rest of the house, with bold wallpaper and green and black checkerboard tile anchoring the floor. The lounge, located by the second-floor entrance, serves as a crash zone for visitors and kids, with sheer drapery allowing for maximum light while still lending privacy. The dining room features a well-loved 12-foot-long table that has been in the Novogratzes’ family for years, surrounded by vibrant art and modern furniture.
Design Details that Bring the Townhouse to Life
The kitchen is a dream for any home cook, outfitted with luxe marble countertops and an expansive La Cornue range. The primary bedroom doubles as Cortney’s unofficial office, with large format art covering nearly every wall. The primary bathroom features a standout stone shower that doubles as useable art, inspired by the colors of the backyard trees and plants. Even the guest bathroom is a showstopper, with bold, pink patterned wallcoverings.
Every corner of the townhouse tells a story, from the vintage wallpaper found during demolition to the plants Cortney drove from her favorite nursery near their house in the Berkshires. The Novogratzes’ creative chaos has transformed a historic building into a vibrant, lively family home, a testament to their vision and perseverance.
