In the inaugural installment of the new series "Layered Lives," Robert shares insights into his design philosophy and creative process. Speaking from the bustling streets of New York City between meetings, having just returned from France and preparing for a trip to the UK, Robert embodies the dynamic energy that characterizes his work.
Robert's journey into design began with an artistic foundation nurtured by his mother, who worked in the antiques business. "She's now 84 years old, and we were just antiquing together in France," he explains. "She had a passion that has never left her, and that was instilled in me from a young age." As a child, Robert accompanied his mother to garage sales and developed a collector's mentality, amassing baseball cards, comic books, and stamps. This early exposure to collecting would later evolve into a sophisticated appreciation for contemporary art.
The designer's art collection reflects his evolved tastes and commitment to supporting emerging and underrepresented artists. "I love modern art. I go back and forth between photography and painting, but it's always contemporary stuff," Robert notes. His collection includes works by Glenn Ligon and Kehinde Wiley, artists he supported early in their careers. Currently, he's particularly enthusiastic about British painter Danny Fox, describing him as embodying "everything I love about art – humor, culture, a story."
Robert's transition from finance to design began in the early 1990s when he used his bonus check to purchase a run-down townhouse in Chelsea. "I made a lot of mistakes when doing it up, but I loved it," he recalls. This first project established many elements that would become hallmarks of the Novogratz aesthetic, including bold color choices and the integration of vintage elements. The couple painted the building's exterior a pale yellow, a decision that divided neighbors but demonstrated their willingness to take creative risks.
The Novogratz approach to home ownership is uniquely nomadic. The couple typically purchases run-down properties in up-and-coming neighborhoods, renovates them completely, and then moves on after two to three years. They currently reside in a loft near Union Square in New York City, which Robert describes as "newly finished, which took about a year" but "won't be our forever home."
Throughout their career, Robert and Cortney have tackled numerous ambitious renovations. One of Robert's most rewarding projects was their Nolita house, where "every choice we made turned out to be the right choice." The property's 25-foot width provided unusual space for a townhouse, allowing for creative elements like a rooftop basketball court. Their most recent major project, a house on Waverly Place in the West Village, proved challenging due to landmark restrictions and difficult neighbors, but the results were so successful that the buyers purchased most of the furniture along with the property.
Robert's design philosophy centers on creating spaces with "vibe" and "energy" – environments that are "so fun you don't want to leave" but work equally well whether you're "with your girlfriend or your grandma, your wife, or six friends who want to party." He frequently references the restaurant Balthazar as inspiration, particularly its buttery yellow ceiling and pillars that create warmth and energy.
The term "design disruptors" has been applied to Robert and Cortney, a label Robert accepts pragmatically. "We felt like there was always going to be someone who was smarter or better than us, so to stand out, we just had to be different," he explains. Their aesthetic is "eclectic, with a mix of vintage and modern. Always happy, comfortable. And fun is a big word!"
This emphasis on enjoyment represents a deliberate departure from prevailing trends. "You can walk into a lot of beautiful spaces, but they're not fun, everything is white," Robert observes. "That's not the world I want to run in. Give me more fun."
Their current Union Square loft exemplifies this philosophy of making the best of any space. Completed in just one month after selling most of their quality furniture with their previous home, the loft serves as what Robert calls "a vacation" space. Despite acknowledging that the kitchen and bathrooms are "a bit dated," he appreciates the location's energy and history, noting its proximity to what was once Andy Warhol's nightclub, The Factory. This connection inspired them to emphasize art in the decoration, creating "a cool transitional space."
Robert maintains daily rituals that help him stay grounded regardless of location. He particularly enjoys starting mornings with jazz records and coffee while taking in city views, though he's currently reducing his coffee intake from three cups to one and a half daily, supplementing with hot water and lemon for better energy management.
Family remains integral to Robert's design work. He recently helped his musician son decorate a New York apartment, providing guidance while respecting the young man's budget constraints and personal style. "His place had great light, and I just helped enhance that by getting him some things like some lights from Pooky – you don't always have to spend a lot to create a fun, homely space," Robert explains.
The designer's collecting instincts remain active in new forms. He recently created a mural using old clippings for their office and continues hunting for vintage prints under $500 on platforms like eBay and 1stDibs. "Put them in a frame, and no one knows they're not the real thing!" he notes with characteristic enthusiasm.
Looking toward the future, Robert and Cortney are working on an innovative project in Brooklyn – a private club designed specifically for families. "Kind of like a Soho House vibe, but for kids, too," Robert describes. He's currently sourcing art for the project, maintaining his core principle that spaces "just have to feel like fun."
The Novogratz approach represents a broader philosophy about living authentically. Whether renovating a brownstone, curating art in a loft, or helping family members create their first independent spaces, Robert approaches every project with infectious optimism, creativity, and curiosity. His work demonstrates that exceptional design isn't about achieving perfection but rather about infusing spaces with personality, soul, and joy.
After decades in the industry and with fresh projects constantly on the horizon, Robert continues proving that the most memorable spaces are those that make inhabitants and visitors feel genuinely happy. In a design world often dominated by minimalism and restraint, the Novogratz aesthetic offers a refreshing alternative that celebrates color, comfort, and above all, fun.
This philosophy extends beyond mere decoration to encompass a complete lifestyle approach. The couple's willingness to constantly relocate and reinvent their living spaces reflects a deeper commitment to growth, adventure, and the belief that homes should evolve alongside their inhabitants. Their success over three decades suggests that there's significant demand for spaces that prioritize emotional connection over conventional beauty standards.
Robert's story illustrates how personal passion, when combined with professional expertise and willingness to take risks, can create lasting impact in creative industries. His journey from finance to design leadership demonstrates the value of following authentic interests and the potential for creating entirely new aesthetic categories that resonate with diverse audiences seeking more expressive, joyful living environments.
