In a three-year redesign process, the Novograztes transformed the home into an eclectic, modern sanctuary. The goal of the renovation, says Robert, was to bring an “old, beautiful, and historic building back to life, and to give it a future while still retaining its history”. This is something the husband-and-wife duo is no stranger to: they specialise in buying older homes, adding their signature mid-century-modern-meets-DIY touch to them, and then eventually selling—although 114 Waverly Place is now home to the couple and their nine children.

The façade’s new colour, described by the couple as golden ochre, was chosen by the local landmark association and is one of the biggest changes made to the home, says Robert: “It is a glorious, vibrant shade that is truly pleasing to the eye.”

The revamp, of course, wasn’t as simple as a fresh coat of paint. “This was a true gut renovation—the home was in pretty bad condition,” says Cortney Novogratz. It had been untouched for decades and suffered extensive water damage—the walls needed replastering and holes gaped in the ceilings. “It was in such a state of disrepair, we actually thought it would collapse at one point,” adds Robert. 

In the new home, the windows and floors are replaced, the millwork is custom-built, and an elevator is installed. The design features an eclectic mix of old and new, as well as the couple’s signature, energetic stamp of colour. “We love to mix high and low, vintage and contemporary, modern and old-world design. The home reflects our design aesthetic in every room,” says Cortney.

The ballroom on the top floor, described by the couple as the most special space in the home, is the perfect example of this. It features custom arched windows by H Hirschmann, mimicking the look and feel of the original. They are dark blue in colour, a contrast to the bright yellow fireplace:

“You can imagine all the grand parties and events that were once thrown here,” says Cortney. In keeping “that festive spirit” alive, the Novogratzes decided to bring in a bright yellow mantel, a baby grand piano and a vintage sofa, which they reupholstered in a pink fabric. “It was our way to pay tribute to the original façade of the home.”

The mantel, with its sharp colour, took some convincing, adds Robert. “But I knew it would give the ballroom a contemporary revival.”

Back on the ground floor, the dining room features a 12-foot dining table that has been in the family for years, and for a modern touch, a Gaetano Pesce vase and DayGlo orange plastic chair by Tom Dixon decorate the space. The latter sits prominently among vintage dining chairs, against the backdrop of a large-format canvas piece by Francisco Larios.

Over in the kitchen, dual French doors open up to Juliet balconies overlooking the backyard. An Anne Siems art piece hangs on the wall.

On the same floor, the guest bathroom features a statement bright pink Gucci wallpaper, juxtaposed against a stately white marble sink and hardware by The Water Monopoly. 

The children’s bedrooms features rapery, rugs, bedding and wall art in a variety of bright colours. The master bedroom has a vintage Indian bed sourced via sustainable furniture supplier ABC Carpet & Home.

The master bathroom—Cortney’s favourite space in the home—has calming neutral tones, inspired by its views of the garden. 

In the backyard, the landscaping—which Robert says Cortney is “very particular about”—is the work of her friends Rebecca Hewins and Jessica J Hutton. The greenery comes from a plant nursery near the couple’s other home in Massachusetts.

The process suffered long delays thanks to the pandemic. Approval from authorities—such as for its vibrant new façade—was also slowed down during Manhattan’s lockdown in 2020.

But along with the lows, there were highs: while peeling back the layers of the home, the team discovered a whimsical zebra print and red wallpaper, which became the basis of the peel-and-stick wallpapers in the couple’s home decor line Novogratz Collection, in collaboration with Tempaper Wallpaper. 

During the renovation, Robert recalls neighbours stopping by. “They shared these amazing stories of parties, artist salons and events held here over the past 50 years,” he says. These tales became yet another source of inspiration for the couple: “We wanted to keep that same energy.”

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