How Cortney & Robert Novogratz Turned an Abandoned West Village Mansion Into Their Family Home

For years, I walked past a bubble gum–pink stucco townhouse on Waverly Place, in the heart of New York City’s West Village, every day during my commute. But when I arrive one sunny day in August to meet its new owners, the married design and branding powerhouses behind The Novogratz, Cortney and Robert Novogratz, the exterior of the five-story Art Nouveau building is gold. This, of course, is what the Novogratzes do: “We aren’t afraid to take a falling-down building and brighten it up. It can totally transform the energy of the neighborhood,” Cortney says.

Inside, the house is buzzing with color and life. Sitting in their sun-filled bedroom, the couple is completely at ease despite the ups and downs of renovating a 7,200-square-foot, historically designated house during a pandemic, and despite the fact that it’s 9 a.m. and this is their second interview of the day. (Earlier, a television crew came by to shoot a segment for “Good Day New York” launching the couple’s Bed Bath & Beyond collection, items from which are mixed in with antiques and gallery-worthy art throughout the house.)

Maybe it’s because the Novogratzes have been at this design game for a quarter century, never shying away from a product collaboration or complex renovation for their family of nine. “We’ve raised seven kids in Manhattan and we’ve done so many townhouses here,” Robert says. “We have 25 years of experience on site as the developers, the designers, the decorators, the architects, even the landscapers. We’ve gotten pretty good at it.”

The house has had few owners since it was built in 1826 and was in a state of disrepair when the couple bought it in 2019. “We actually thought it might collapse at one point,” Cortney says, recounting holes in the ceiling, floor-to-ceiling garbage piled in the rooms with a stench to match, and water damage throughout.

Taking it down to the studs, the pair did as much as they could to preserve the spirit of the original property that was owned for decades by West Village eccentric Celeste Martin, a former Rockette and actress. During the initial demolition, the Novogratzes found layers of vintage wallpaper and used those as inspiration for shades, curtains, and new wallpaper that they designed for their line with The Shade Store. Throughout the renovation, neighbors stopped by to regale the family with stories about parties, artist salons, and events held there over the past 50 years. “I saw a life of style, passion, and the arts,” says Cortney, who hoped to mimic that festive spirit.

The ballroom, located on the fifth floor, has 24-foot ceilings and a huge arched window overlooking Waverly Place; the Novogratzes added a bright yellow mantel, a baby grand piano, and a vintage sofa they reupholstered in pink fabric (a nod to the former exterior). Above, a roof deck features views of both the Empire State Building and World Trade Center, and the spacious backyard is designed to host parties, big events, even weddings. “Our son, who is a musician, has already performed up on the roof with his friends. They’re all bringing life and energy back to the house,” Cortney says. “Some of our adult kids stop by weekly for good meals or a clean shower. We want a house where they always feel welcome.”

The three boys still living at home were given full autonomy to design their own rooms, but each of them chose to decorate with products from the Novogratzes’ various collections. (“I was honored,” mom says.) Which means that nearly all of the linens and window coverings and much of the furniture in the house are from the couple’s own line, The Novogratz, or from their lines for Bed Bath & Beyond, WestPoint Home, and The Shade Store.

In many ways, the Waverly project feels like coming full circle for the family. The first property they ever renovated in New York City, just a little farther north in Chelsea, also had views of the Empire State Building and a yellow facade. It was the spot where Cortney and Robert began their professional journey together and where they brought their first baby, Wolfgang, home. “To some, our life is full and a bit chaotic—but it’s creative chaos,” says Cortney. “When you have a clear vision, you can persevere. It gets bumpy along the way, but it’s an amazing journey.”

Spanning six stories, including a garden level and roof deck, the 7,200-square-foot home rises vertically over its quaint tree-lined block on Waverly Place.

The Novogratz’s replicated festive touches from the original home in every corner of the redesign, including the entryway.

Cortney Novogratz drove nearly all of the plants in the backyard from her favorite nursery near the couple’s house in the Berkshires. “I for sure got my hands dirty for and wouldn't change a thing,” Cortney said.

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