Downtown Chic
January 29, 2010 | 18 comments
I was thrilled to be asked to give you my thoughts on Downtown Chic by Robert and Courtney Novogratz of Sixx Design.

The reason I was so happy to is that I’m a huge fan of their relaxed approach to design and also a big believer in mixing it up, a philosophy they fully embrace.

Here are few of the spaces that epitomize their style for me. All of them contain a mix of vintage with contemporary furniture,

shiny lacquer with dark and rustic woods,
industrial elements with a little glitz,

and on top of all that, lots of personal touches like contemporary art, collectibles and souvenirs.
Now, I’m sure most of you already know that Robert and Courtney Novogratz are the uber cool couple behind Sixx Design who renovate houses, turning them into super stylish homes, all while raising 7 impossibly cute kids.

What you may not know (I didn’t before I read the book) is that in addition to their homes in New York, they have a vacation house in Brazil.

It’s long been one of my dreams to own a vacation house somewhere faraway that is completely different from my full-time house and environment. I think this is a pretty common wish for people who love houses like we all do.

This house is featured in the book and it is decorated in the same effortless style as their New York homes but adapted to the tropical surroundings. I think they have created the perfect antidote to urban life.

Downtown Chic is available at Amazon. You may have also heard that the family is getting their own show on Bravo. 9 by Design is scheduled to premiere in April. I will definitely be tuning in!
(Photos: all from Sixx Design except 4&5 from New York Times)
18 comments on “Downtown Chic”
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January 29th, 2010 @ 12:36 pm
Their style is inspiring, I hope the show captures what is special about them and their work!
Janell
Janell Beals´s last post ..A Change Of Plans
January 29th, 2010 @ 1:00 pm
i had read their book (and loved it!) but i had no idea they had gotten their own show on bravo! i couldn’t be happier. now if only i had bravo in france… thanks for the good news!
Design Darling´s last post ..what time is it?
January 29th, 2010 @ 1:23 pm
Amazon keeps recommending this book to me. Perhaps its time to order up. I can’t imagine getting anything done with 7 kids, let alone maintain a beautiful home!
January 29th, 2010 @ 2:48 pm
fantastic family!!
Helena´s last post ..Laundry
January 29th, 2010 @ 3:14 pm
I am amazed at all they do while raising 7 children. That in it’s self is inspiring!
Jesse´s last post ..Tag…
January 29th, 2010 @ 3:18 pm
This book embodies my design style. LOVE it. I cannot wait to tune in on BRAVO!!
January 29th, 2010 @ 3:35 pm
This family intrigues me & really looking to their Bravo show. I applaud their chic/effortless looking style while raising a brood, not an easy feet unto itself. Goes to show you that just because your a parent your home does not have to look like a Kindercare.
Happy weekend to you Ally x
Deborah Milne´s last post ..Calling in the Design Masters
January 29th, 2010 @ 5:43 pm
Janell: Me, too. I’m really curious to see how it will turn out.
Naomi, Jesse and Deb: I can’t get over that they do what they do with 7 kids either. They’re like superheros!
January 29th, 2010 @ 6:44 pm
nice review. some of their spaces are really captivating..
youhavebeenheresometime´s last post ..Good Kitchen Art! Cocktail Party…
January 29th, 2010 @ 7:45 pm
I actually really loved this book — even though their style isn’t quite my own! The narrative was enjoyable and I love their passion and dedication to reusing and repurposing antiques in a modern setting.
Averill´s last post ..Be Bold, Go Blue.
January 29th, 2010 @ 9:47 pm
You have definitely made me want to run right out and get this book.
Thanks for a really nice review. It’s just the kind of info I want!
Lesley @ TheDesignFile´s last post ..Giveaway: Last days for Red Letter Words entries
January 30th, 2010 @ 11:26 am
great great post. images are so inspiring. whoever lives in those spaces are definitely happy people.
Eliana Tomas´s last post ..Triple Style It @ imm Cologne, Germany.
January 30th, 2010 @ 6:15 pm
I love the Novogratz’s style. Maybe they can inspire the entire genre of home improvement on television with their great approach to decor! And no fair that they not only have buckets of style, but they are gorgeous. They just signed with Ford to model!
susie Quillin´s last post ..Monday Mash-up: Formal + bone fide, but fun
January 31st, 2010 @ 2:07 pm
I’m a big fan of their design philosophy and my copy of Downtown Chic is well thumbed at this stage. Their beautiful homes, huge family and envious career alongside their exceptional wealth and popularity are pretty aspirational for us mere mortals although they must be admired for their bravery and risk taking in order to achieve it all. Wish we had Bravo in Ireland!
Paula @ mabel & violet´s last post ..Interiors Induced Insomnia
February 1st, 2010 @ 5:14 pm
i want to get this book! and I LOVE SIX DESIGN! but i guess now they are seven!
February 1st, 2010 @ 5:34 pm
Those kitchen sunburst ceiling lamps are now permanent players in my design porn fantasy.
February 1st, 2010 @ 6:26 pm
Eliana: That’s a really good point – the spaces are really happy, aren’t they?
Susie and Paula: It hardly seems fair, does it?
handmadecharlotte: You’re right – they are 7 now.
whorange: You and me both, honey. I am dying for one. Theirs came from a hotel in Monte Carlo (of course) but I think they can be found here and there – for the right price.
February 2nd, 2010 @ 2:50 pm
I posted about Sixx Design too! I love the asthetic. I think their look is hard to duplicate and the book isn’t helpful in that regard, but the book is fun to flip through. Great photos!
Sarah
http://pittsburgh-odds-and-sods.blogspot.com/
sarah´s last post ..Simon Doonan the Elf