DE C OR + DE SIGN

Melbourne plays host to one of the biggest events on the design calendar as thought leaders and taste makers converge for the Australian House & Garden International Seminar Series.

Fans of all things home and renovating may be familiar with Robert and Cortney Novogratz and their seven (gasp!) children, thanks to their TV shows, 9 By Design and Home by Novogratz. We caught up with the dynamic couple ahead of their visit Down Under for Decor + Design’s Australian House & Garden International Seminar Series. “We’re super excited about our trip to Australia because we haven’t been before,” says Cortney. The couple aren’t entirely sure whether they found their exciting and immensely watchable career – or it found them. The beginnings of the Novogratz story can be traced back to when they were planning their wedding and decided to add an extra layer of stress by buying a building in Manhattan. They successfully renovated it, which led to more and more projects.

Asked how they juggle their life and work balance the pair are refreshingly candid: “The nice thing about working together is that if we drop the ball we’ve dropped it together.” The couple, who have been bringing their own fabulous brand of colour, energy and practicality to projects for more than 25 years now, love to entertain friends and have a fabulous country house in Berkshire, Massachusetts. So what keeps them inspired and excited about interiors?

“Curiosity – plus we love being creative,” says Robert. “Travel is something we adore and we’ve recently been in India to look at designing gondolas for a tiger reserve! We’re looking forward to spending time with design lovers in Melbourne.” Catch Robert and Cortney Novogratz at Decor + Design on Friday July 19.

“We love to mix high- and low-end pieces in our homes to show people they can have freedom in decorating.” Cortney Novogratz