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Hello, everyone! I’m Cortney Novogratz. Whether you’ve found me through Instagram, seen one of our television shows, or stumbled here by mistake, I’m glad you’ve joined me. For those of you who didn’t know, I grew up in Georgia as the youngest of five. I speak with a slight drawl, and yes, after a glass of wine or a call down south, it’s full-on. My parents, like me and my husband, worked together, owning and operating car washes that ultimately grew to 58 locations in 10 states. My mom loved design, even creating a gift shop at our local car wash to feed that passion. Although I was usually out riding go-karts and dirt bikes, I also enjoyed pretty furniture, wallpaper, and anything design-related. Fortunately, my mom allowed me to redecorate my bedroom every two years. I should have known then I’d end up being a designer. Interestingly enough, I got a lot of inspiration for my bedroom designs from watching MTV. The music, songs, and videos transported me to faraway places, allowing me to visually experience things I never saw in my small southern town. I’m not sure how many of you are visual learners, but I sure am, and that's why I love to travel.
In my senior year of college, I met Robert at a party in North Carolina, and it was love at first sight. We took off together for three days and then dated long distance while we planned our lives together. The catch was that NYC and Robert were my only plans. After college, my older sister Brandi invited me to meet her in Africa. She had been backpacking for several months while she deferred graduate school. I flew there alone, and wow, what a gift she gave me. Kenya and Tanzania would forever hold a place in my heart. Robert had begun his move to NYC and then soon after my trip, I sold my car and joined him. What fun we had learning Manhattan and finding our creative paths! We decided to get married at my parents’ home in Georgia and bought an empty, rundown old brownstone in Chelsea at the same time. Designing our wedding and our soon-to-be new home together was a dream. It made total sense to us, even though we had never built anything before and we didn’t have the budget to renovate it. We could see it, the dream. We could have parties, have as many kids as we wanted, and rent it out while we traveled without asking anyone’s permission. No co-op, no condo board—just the two of us calling the shots.
Fast forward 28 years (31 since that first day we locked eyes and lips), and it has never been a dull moment. I did indeed become a designer and a mom to seven kids: Wolfgang, 27; Bellamy, 25; Tallulah, 25; Breaker, 23; Five, 19; Holleder, 19; and Major, 15. Yes, I had two sets of twins—how busy, I mean blessed, am I! I also work and own a business with my husband. Robert and I created, The Novogratz, a lifestyle brand that offers affordable furniture and decor for your home. The Novogratz allows you to design the life you want to live.
I’ve started Cortney's Corner as my personal space since the majority of my children are now adults, and I feel as though I finally have the time. Like every family, ours continues to grow and change, did I mention I now have a son-in-law, how cool. Anyway here, I’ll share design projects, travel tales, joys and challenges of parenting, and so much more. We all seek motivation and support; remember, you’re not alone. It takes a village, and I’d love to have you become a part of mine.
