Photo courtesy of ONE1
MODW When and how did you begin your journey into designing living spaces?
CORTNEY Before Robert and I got married, We decided to buy a condemned house in Chelsea NYC, and restore it. We earned on the job, and it was really a journey. By the end, we realized that this is what we wanted to pursue as our career and we have been designing residential and commercial spaces ever since. It has been almost twenty years! And it has remained what we love to do.
MODW How do you manage integrating your successful career in design, while raising seven kids?
CORTNEY It's never easy. But we are lucky to have some help, and that makes it possible to do both. We have our office in our home, so that we can spend more time around the kids even when we are working. Having your husband as a partner in both the family and career makes it work even better for us.
MODW A step in the designing process that you love most of all?
CORTNEY There are so many, but seeing your final result is always thrilling. How your ideas have played out into the design of an environment.
MODW Favourite places to shop antique and vintage?
CORTNEY In New York City, Adelaide, Olde Good Things, Mantiques, Paula Rubenstein, and a day trip to the town of Husdon, New York.
MODW Close female friends? What is your favourite thing to do with your friends?
CORTNEY I am lucky to have a very close and diverse circle of female friends. I love to get together with them for a good dinner with lots of wine!
MODW Beauty regime that you follow?
CORTNEY I have a pretty simple routine--I cleanse and apply moisturizer in the morning and the evening, and that is pretty much it. I rarely wear any makeup, except for special occasions, and then just a little mascara.
MODW Top of the Cortney Novogratz bucket list?
CORTNEY Travel to India with my two daughters.
MODW Your favourite hangout in New York City?
CORTNEY Felix in SOHO.
MODW Travel retreat to relax?
CORTNEY We love to go to our home in Trancoso, Brazil.
MODW A woman that inspires you?
CORTNEY My sister-in-law Jacqueline Novogratz, who runs Acumen, and who was recently on the cover of Forbes Magazine.
MODW A favourite part about being a mother?
CORTNEY I love everything about being a mother.
MODW Being a strong woman, what would you say are some of your vulnerabilities?
CORTNEY I never focus on things like that!
MODW The last film you saw?
CORTNEY Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I loved it.
MODW Your personal style?
CORTNEY I have an eclectic wardrobe, It's a mix of vintage and new pieces, with a bit of a bohemian vibe, and I am a big fan of boots and color.
MODW Favorite fragrance?
CORTNEY Classic Chanel #5
MODW A typical day for Cortney Novogratz?
CORTNEY It starts with lots of coffee! And involves focusing my attention in many different directions, and at night, having a nice glass of wine with Robert and relaxing!
MODW Type of music you listen to? Who might we find on your playlist?
CORTNEY A mix of different things-Dixie Chicks, Black Keys, Theophilus London, Miles Davis.
MODW Your favorite thing about Robert?
CORTNEY He's a great father, and he has a wicked sense of humour.
MODW Throughout your journey, one of the most memorable moments?
CORTNEY Having each of my children, obviously, but professionally, finishing that first home. It gave me a ton of confidence to keep on going and pursue what I love to do.
MODW Any exciting new projects or aspirations?
CORTNEY We always have a lot going on. We are currently shooting Season 2 of our TV show, Home by Novogratz on HGTV, working on a new book that will come out this Fall, we will have a new line of decor products coming out soon and new projects all the time.
Cora Kouchak