The Novogratz Castle
So what if I told you there was a super hip family with 7 kids that renovated a 1920's castle nestled in the Hollywood Hills? If I didn't know Robert and Cortney Novogratz I'd say it was some made for TV movie, but I've followed the Novogratz family for many years and I can say they have done it. And of course succeeded. But succeed isn't even the correct word, they killed it!!! The family of 9 moved from Manhattan to LA and bought a home that probably hadn't been touched since it was built. To see the before and afters you just have to be impressed. Granted they have a very defined style which isn't everyone's cup of tea, yes Mother I'm talking about you, but just keep reading. They use a mix of vintage, antique, flea market finds with very contemporary decor and "let's talk about this art" art. Yet, it somehow always works. They make it look so effortless, a very bohemian style.
I want a jeep like this! and I'm not even a red vehicle fan
At times being a parent you can sometimes feel like you've lost your "cool" factor. Let's be honest, we don't have the rhythm we used to right? I mean, I used to have this great, great car dance which I promise you looked super cool in high school. Now when I pull it out, I get laughs from the backseat. Yet somehow Cortney and Robert still are so cool and their kids have a cool style to them. Of course when your names are Wolfgang, Bellamy, Tallulah, Breaker, Five, Holleder, and Major, you kinda gotta live up to your unique name.
To kick off construction of the castle they had a construction party. I think this is such a fun idea. One, you can serve red wine with no concerns of guests spilling on the floor, and two, it makes for one really great reveal when the house is completed. Just one more reason to throw a party right? Side note, I'm kinda known to spill red wine. So much so that my Mother in Law gave me this and it works wonders. I mean, gets red wine out like magic. It's a necessity if you are a red wine drinker. Seriously, stop reading and order it now!!! You won't regret it.
a graffiti wall created at the construction party. again, it's all about family
they painted the front door of the castle for the construction party as an homage to artist richard woods
kids were to write their names / design the garage during the construction party
They have designed several items for different big box stores. It goes to show you can have big style without breaking the bank. A common thread throughout many of their products is "family". Obviously they get it, no matter how much they drive you nuts, it's all about family.
Mother, the bold, underlined items mean you can click it and it will take you to the item so you can order it. She's new to technology ;)
I just specked this futon for a client's playroom. Love Love the teal color, but you have to wait if you want this color, it's currently out of stock
This would be so cute in a little girl's room via walmart
This is kinda right. I tell Brad, "what's yours is mine, what's mine is mine" via walmart
via Walmart
These would be great in a little boys room
I love the soap dispenser and dish. I wouldn't use all 3 together, but rather one or two together. The soap dish could work as a jewelry holder
Imagine this filled with legos, books, or blankets
They used a similar chair to this in their last manhattan home in their dining room. Upholster it in vinyl and use it everyday
These would be perfect for our friday family movie night!
photo quilt via shutterfly
these would be a cute gift for a bridal shower gift
Ok, enough of their products lets see The Castle! They did a mini "show" with People.com so luckily we can see the design process beginning to end. I wish there were more photos of the after, but hopefully with time they will release more. If you watch all the videos, (which I highly, highly suggest you do), you will see that they let their kids each design a part of the home.
The castle
This also serves as their design studio
I love this light fixture and the concrete fireplace
i love the photo of one of their sons in a tub. The artwork above the tub in the photo clearly inspired them for one of their pillows for walmart
The Master bedroom. I love the colors of the rug with the leather chaise
could you imagine if this was your staircase?!!!
Ok, so this is the part where you watch the People.com mini design series on the renovation of The Castle. Each episode is only about 4.5 minutes long so take a lunch break and enjoy each of the videos. A little side note, the song at the beginning of each video is called "Family" and is sung by their son Breaker.
The videos were good right? Thanks so much for reading!
Tucker