Made for TV: A Conversation with Hip Design Couple Robert and Cortney Novogratz of Sixx Design

By Meredith Barnett
November 30, 2009

Eight is Enough, Jon and Kate Plus Eight, Octomom … In the past, eight may have been the magic number when it came to America’s fascination with extra large families.

These days, however, the magic number is nine—and the hottest show hitting airwaves this winter is 9X Design, the real-life story of interior design couple Bob and Cortney Novogratz and their seven children (photo below), one of whom was born during the show’s filming. The show airs on Bravo starting in January and covers the hip couple, their family life, and their ambitious design projects, which typically involve a gut renovation that turns a wreck into a covetable masterpiece.

You’ll be willing to give the Novogratzs a free pass for coming in one short of the “usual” eight kids, especially once you hear about all that’s on their plate: In addition to the show, their recent projects, done under the name of their design firm, Sixx Design, include: Downtown Chic, published by Rizzoli, a gorgeous coffee table tome with photos of their design projects and tips for how to get their look; Bungalow, a 26-room boutique hotel that opened to rave reviews this summer; and a 10,000 square foot home (created from an old BMW garage, complete with an indoor basketball court!) and a six story private residence, both in downtown New York.

In all of these projects, the couple’s signature style comes through—one that cleverly mixes flea market finds and airy, modern touches for a final result that feels authentic and inspired. We sat down with the Novogratzs to talk about everything from flea markets to designing for kids.

The Inside Source: The New York Times called you the “it” couple for the Age of “Flip This House.” How do you describe what it is that you do?

Sixx Design: We are designers and developers. With each project, we try to do something unique. Our style evolves as we go. Now more than ever, we are working on multiple projects at once, designing public spaces as well as residential, and branching out beyond New York city…It’s a very satisfying career for both of us—even more so since we do it together.

TIS: You are completely self-taught. Robert’s first job was on Wall Street and Cortney planned to be an actress. In 1996, you purchased and re-built your first building—a condemned townhouse on West 19^th Street. What possessed you?

Sixx Design: We saw the house, and we wanted to try renovating it. We just went forward and learned on the job. We didn’t know what we know now, but it was a risk that worked for us and pointed us in the direction of our true passion.

TIS: What made you decide to make doing this your life’s work?

Sixx Design: The experience was such a great one; we loved it. And we turned out to be pretty good at it. It was a creative endeavor, which appealed to both of us—and we were able to make money at it. You can’t really ask for more than that.

TIS: Since that project, how many homes have you bought and renovated?

Sixx Design: We’ve created nine houses and lived in six of them. Everything inside is for sale, except for the children! The appeal of a new place is that it’s an adventure for all of us—and we’re just not that tied to our belongings.

TIS: How do you describe your decorating and design style?

Sixx Design: A mix of modern and vintage with a whimsical twist. We tend to use a neutral palette (like white walls) and add pops of bright color. You’ll see very little clutter and lots of one-of-a-kind pieces in our work.

TIS: Do you have share a similar eye?

SIxx Design: We do have a similar eye, but Robert is the modern specialist and Cortney is the vintage specialist—though we are both open to great pieces in any style or from any time.

TIS: How does having seven kids influence your design philosophy?

Sixx Design: Having seven kids teaches you to relax about design; it’s just stuff! Everything has to be suitable for real life—not precious, but comfortable and stylish.

TIS: How should (or shouldn’t) kids be involved in the decorating process?

Sixx Design: We make sure that the kids have a lot of interesting art and books in their rooms for inspiration. Now that the kids are getting older [the oldest is 12], some of them are starting to take over the design aspects of their own spaces. We make sure they have what they need, like a good desk with adequate lighting and a comfortable sleeping area. Then we make it colorful and stimulating—and also a place that reflects their special interests.

TIS: What are your favorite shopping haunts and why?

Sixx Design: Name a good flea market anywhere in the world and we’re there. The possibilities at flea markets are endless in terms of the opportpunity to find something unique—and often, at a very affordable price.

TIS: We hear you are big fans of eBay. What does eBay offer that other resources don’t?

Sixx Design: eBay is completely on your schedule. You can shop from your home, your office, or anywhere else you happen to be when the urge to eBay strikes. You can be sitting at your own kitchen table and see offerings from all over the world that you can make your own.

TIS: What are some of your favorite eBay finds? [See below for items purchased on eBay that have been incorporated into various Sixx Design projects.]

Sixx Design: The scoreboard in our basketball court was from the 1950s and worked perfectly. It is amazing and everyone who sees our house comments on it. We also bought an Evil Knievel pinball machine, which is awesome as well.

TIS: You have a ton of projects going on! Let’s start with Bungalow, the boutique hotel in Long Branch, N.J., that you designed. Tell us about it! What is the feeling you are trying to convey?

Sixx Design: We wanted Bungalow to feel exotic, especially for the New Jersey shore—chic, yet comfortable; timeless, but still stylish. It’s a very zen hotel; relaxing but with lots to do. The hotel has been a huge hit; it sold out for the whole summer.

TIS: What is your favorite part of the hotel?

Sixx Design: The library area (above left) is really amazing—with all the warm wood and great vintage finds mixed with an extensive design book collection. The foosball table, which is a focal point of the room, came from eBay. Everyone in the hotel ends up there having a great time!

TIS: Which items in the hotel came from eBay?

Sixx Design: We found old trophies, surfing memorabilia, books, photographs, couches, frames and more. (Photo of the hotel lobby, above right; the couches were purchased on eBay and recovered. The globe was also purchased on eBay.)

TIS: Now on to your book, Downtown Chic, subtitled “Designing your dream home, from wreck to ravishing.” In addition to showcasing stunning and inspirational photos of your work, the book offers advice for creating functional and beautiful family-friendly homes. And there’s a ton of it—from “tips for buying a wreck” to “contractor checklist.” If you had to pick one, what’s the single most important piece of advice you offer?

Sixx Design: Be bold. Take Chances. And don’t take your successes or failures too seriously.

TIS: And last but not least, your Bravo TV show, 9X Design. What’s the most surprising thing we’ll see on the show?

Sixx Design: It was a ton of fun making the show. Cortney has our seven child during the first episode and loses 60 pounds almost immediately, all by working hard.

Interiors by Sixx Design Featuring Items Purchased on eBay

1. A childs’s bedroom at 400 West Street (the family's current home); lighting fixture from eBay
2. A dining room in Amagansett (The Hamptons), completed this past summer; red vase/bowl on dining room table from eBay
3. A private gym, recently completed; bobble head sports dolls from eBay
4. A private gym; #5 painting from eBay
5. Kitchen at 400 West Street; leather bench from eBay
6. Library at Bungalow Hotel, Long Branch, NJ, completed this past summer; foosball table from eBay
7. Amagansett project; red wine cooler from eBay
8. Bungalow Hotel; couch from eBay
9. Indoor basketball court at 400 West Street; basketball time clock from eBay

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