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Together, designers Robert and Cortney Novogratz have built a family, multiple homes and a business. They own SIXX Design, (named after how many children they had at the time, they now have seven), and spend their time developing old buildings and refurbishing them into beautiful and eclectic homes. With a show on Bravo due out next year, the couple co-wrote Downtown Chic to provide easy tips on how to cultivate a cosmopolitan, yet comfortable look of your own! Click over for our favorite tips!

The Novogratz's emphasize creating a focal point for a room, giving examples like an oversized mirror, a chandelier or a piece of art. They advise, however, to tone down the rest of the decor. "Everything else in the room can be a bit more plain so as not to distract from the visual punch the piece gives a room." 

For this kitchen, from their project on Center Market Place in Manhattan, the Novogratz's designed for a client who was big on entertaining. As far as materials, the couple did the whole kitchen in stainless steel. "Stainless steel products are great, but stainless steel is stainless steel, so you really can buy the cheapest model out there," Robert says. "I think GE makes the best appliances for the money. Priciest doesn't mean best."

Many of the beautiful pieces of furniture and art the Novogratz's have around are from flea markets. The couple found this bookcase at a flea and gave it a fresh coat of white paint. They dressed it up by tacking a string of beads over the side. 

For some of our fave flea market finds, click here!

One of their biggest tips is to "mix high and low," meaning, pair splurges items with basics you'd find at less expensive stores and flea markets. In this bedroom, the goose feather lamp and the oil painting were expensive, while the nightstands were from a garage sale and the throw pillows were from Target!

With a big family, the Novogratz's naturally spend most of their time while at home in the kitchen. Therefore, they always make sure to design big kitchens that are inviting and open, with ample natural light. 

Here are some other ways to make your kitchen more inviting:
-Add Some Color to Your Kitchen
-Retro Kitchen Revival
-Cut Costs on Your Kitchen Renovation

The family has a house in Brazil, which they visit in the summer. For the rest of the year, however, they rent it out periodically. In order to make the house "renter-friendly," they created minimal environments to simulate the experience of staying at a hotel. They also advise doing things like installing air conditioning, making the house kid-friendly (but not too much clutter) and including great amenities like music, television and books - among many other tips!

To learn more about SIXX Design, check out this article, or visit their Web site. To buy the book, click here. 

To learn more about how Robert and Cortney work together, watch our videos!
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And for more decorating tips, go to the At Home section!