12.16.2009

While I Am Daunted By Undertaking Massive Renovations



All images via Sixx Design

The amazing couple behind Sixx Design clearly is not…

I am seriously, seriously impressed (and frankly in awe) of this couple. They run marathons, they completely renovate massive properties in NYC, they throw killer parties, they have great taste…

(I’m currently having massive anxiety about renovating Audrey’s old dollhouse for Christmas, so it’s probably safe to say that Courtney Novogratz and I are not cut from the same cloth.)

Oh and they have seven (SEVEN) children, including two sets of twins.

I know, I know…right?? ??


Instead of working on the aforementioned dollhouse, I’ve been perusing the Novogratz's book, Downtown Chic, the past few nights, and it’s filled with great advice for design projects of all sizes (for those of you that share my home renovation anxiety), lots of gorgeous photos + funny, practical takes on how to stay sane amidst raising kiddos and running a thriving, busy, chaotic business (i.e. make takeout your friend.)

And just so I won't feel bad about all my procrastinating, I'm sharing the love and giving away a copy of Downtown Chic to one of you. Just leave a comment on this post by Sunday at 6:00 pm ET for a chance to win. I’ll announce the winner Monday!

106 comments:

  1. Well looky, I'm first! I love this couple too, and I'm in awe of their style. Six kids to boot means they don't take themselves too seriously, which is the icing on the cake.

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  2. ohhh I hope you pick me. And SEVEN kids- wow!

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  3. Yes, they r a league unto their own!

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  4. I love that light fixture on the cover. I hope I win.
    Cheers
    Engracia

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  5. chic is my favorite color! oh do please, pick me!

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  6. I would love to win this book. I've wanted it for awhile but it's been out of my immediate price range.

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  7. I am also undertaking a deco-reno at my new house and this book could relieve some of the anxiety I share with you. Thanks!

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  8. Oh my goodness! What a wonderful giveaway! Please, please pick me. This looks like an awesome book.

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  9. Wow, sounds like a great book. Good luck with the dollhouse. You should post the steps and a finished project photo. Thanks!

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  10. Is it possible this couple has cloned themselves?

    :)

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  11. I feel like this everyday when I stalk everyone's beautiful blogs and homes from my desk at work..... you're all so inspiring, but then I go to bed wondering how you accomplish it all. ~ Kim

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  12. I feel the exact same way! What a great way to wrap up my Wednesday!

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  13. I would love to win this book! What a great giveaway.
    mleslietilley@yahoo.com

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  14. I've been wanting this book, but it's not within our budget right now! Thanks for offering.

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  15. Wow! Looks a fabulous read - another great example of your good taste, lady!

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  16. I have been wanting this book since it came out!!! But I haven't bought it because I am STILL on the spending hiatus that you got me onto in the first place....AND I think I'm the only one still doing it!!!! So I think I might deserve this for sticking it out this long, don't you?!? j ;)

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  17. I am trying to fill my inspiration pockets up to carrying me through the rest of the winter, once the lovely holidays have ended. I would need a big pocket for this book, but I'd love it!

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  18. I would love to copy their gallery wall!

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  20. I could certainly use some fun inspiration!

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  21. I'd love to snag a copy of this!

    I am also having a giveaway (Le Creuset), so check it out! :-)

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  22. That book looks beautiful. Going to college next year and moving into an apartment, I would love to have this to inspire me.

    Thank you for putting up such a wonderful blog. Originally, it has been hard to find the beauty in the small, simple things, but your blog has helped me appreciate growing up in a small, country town so much more. Life seems so much more pleasant, and words have so much more meaning when you are able to view yourself, others, and the environment around you in a way less critical, and more accepting or understanding.

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  23. love this and I would love the inspiration and practical advice for renovating!

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  24. the novogratzs are such an inspiration! I read a story about them in the NYT about their babies' christening- what fun and style and class! I would love to own the book!

    susan
    serviceanddevotion(dot)com

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  25. I'd love to get my hands on this book, and I'd love to have Sixx Design fix up my house. Their style looks fabulous!

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  26. Those photos are lovely, I'd love to see the rest of the book!

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  27. i thought i was the only one without a copy, yet!

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  28. Wow, what an impressive team! :)

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  29. Wow, I can bearly cope with one kiddo!

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  30. I'd love to browse this book. Thanks!

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  31. OMG! LOL. We are so on the same page. How awesome is this book?

    It really inspired me to get off my lazy butt and start tackling projects.

    :)

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  32. I am also daunted! And I could definitely use a copy of this book...

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  33. That really sounds like my kind of book.

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  34. Would love to leaf through that amazing book!

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  35. We just moved this summer & I could use that book to help us decorate. Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  36. I would love to win this as it has been on my wish list awhile!

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  37. omg, I am beyond green with envy! those patterns, those beds, it's like one of my daydreams come true.

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  38. I would love this book--I've had my eye on it. That is one amazing family!

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  39. I'm leaving a comment becaue I love your blog, but winning Downtown Chic would certainly make me happy! I love the purple and gold jacquard bedroom!

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  40. Oh yes, the Novogratz family. I've clipped spreads of their homes from various magazines over the years. They are pretty amazing. But what I like most of all? They reuse most of their furnishings! It's fun to see how they use them again in new spaces.

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  41. I'm daunted by mini renovations too. I think I could use some inspiration.

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  42. Nice giveaway--and please do post pictures of the dollhouse.!

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  43. We've been trying to decide if we should move or renovate for almost a year. Maybe this book will help me be bolder in 2010!

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  44. Wow this book looks awesome! Ever since having my daughter, my house has taken a turn for the kid-friendly side, and I would love to find more ways to make this work!

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  45. Wow this book looks amazing! Good luck on the renovations...can't wait to see the finished project!

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  46. I've only swooned over this book at the bookstore a few times. I would love to add it to my bookcase.

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  47. Love this book!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  48. I love there style and this book. Would love to have it for my own.

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  49. Pick me! I just bought a fixer in Seattle and could use the inspiration.

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  50. ooh ooh I hope it's me! I love Sixx Design - and just about fall over every time I think of the SEVEN kids! Just think how chic you could make the dolls house using Downtown Chic as inspiration...

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  51. What an inspiring couple. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  52. I have this book and look through it often. They are amazing and I'm anxiously waiting for their show on Bravo this winter. I want to see if they take secret vitamins for all their endless energy.

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  53. I keep seeing this book and wanting to buy it.... maybe I won't have to. It looks like a good one.

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  54. oh I would LOVE to own that book.

    happy holidays!

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  55. Oh - I've been wanting to buy this book!

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  56. I feel you. I too find myself having renovation anxiety, organizing anxiety (and I love organizing), and feeling weighted by the overwhelming tasks at hand. (I blame my lack of patience.) But its so hard not to be inspired where there's so, so many amazing images and talented people willing to share their ideas and successes.

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  57. Wowseres! Impressive, a fun treasure to have indeed!

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  58. She sounds like a superwoman! I've heard great things about this book, so count me in!

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  59. That upstairs hallway makes me so happy, white all over the place and walls covered with photos, sooo pretty.Good luck with your renovations!

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  60. Oh, this post made me laugh! I know the feeling :)

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  61. i would love to win - the book sounds great.

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  62. The couple is amazing. Super human from my vantage point.

    I love Downtown Chic, it is a book filled with inspiration, you are right.

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  63. I'm always game to move from 'wreck to ravishing' ... sounds inspiring!

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  64. please pick me! I need inspiration! xoxox

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  66. I've been wanting this book! This couple completely amazes me...surely they have "help!" ha! Thank you!

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  67. oh my, 2 sets of twins. they are amazing...

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  68. Oooh! Neat book, I hope you choose me!
    -Lomy

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  69. Oh, I have been eyeing this book, that's for sure. I am desperate for some innovative, diy ideas to make our home, more "us."

    Kristen M.

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  70. what a great giveaway. 7 children now that is amazing.

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  71. love love love this couple. A couple of months ago I scrounged the internet for anything I could find about them, and they truly are fascinating. I adore the blend of elegance, rocker, vintage and whimsy they seem to infuse into every. single. space. How they do it all is a mystery to me for sure!!! Would love to get this book, but in the meantime loving your blog, Joslyn. Thank you!!!

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  72. you're cute. i want to see dollhouse pic when you're done. i LOVED mine when i was little!

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  73. I absolutely love your blog...I am in the process of making over my bedroom and you have the best ideas. Thanks for the chance to win this book :)

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  74. oh, i have been drooling over pictures from this book for months and would love to finally own it and hold it in my hands and turn the nice crisp pages... i shall keep my fingers crossed til monday!

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  75. I have 2 kids and sometimes wonder how I'll keep sane. 7?? Wow. That book is wicked cool - I love their style.

    Trina

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  76. Oh my. Love Sixx Design and I've been meaning to pick up this book! I must have!!

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  77. more overachievers...it's enough to make you just eat donuts, read design blogs all day and feel sorry for yourself...not that I'm doing that!

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  78. i've been reading lots about this book and would love to read it myself!!

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  79. Would love a copy of this fabulous book! :) Happy Weekend to you!

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  80. not sure I can translate fashion to my log cabin, but I can try

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  81. love this book and your blog too! fingers crossed :)

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  82. oh wow, this book looks fantastic... loving the images you've shared from it. I am also totally in awe of people who have such large families and manage to be so successful in what they do. I struggle to keep things together with just one child so would love to hear some of their tips!

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  83. I love the photo with all the frames. Now that is a busy, busy wall. But as a photographer, I love to see art like that when I walk into a clients home!

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  84. I, too, am just awestruck by this couple who accomplish so much in just 24 hours! I hope there are secrets to doing just that in their book :-)

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  85. oh, a nice little gift for the mama who is giving but not receiving this year. daddy and I made a pact and now I wonder what I was thinking. Oh, I have a stuffers for daddy but I bet daddy could use this help!

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  86. Oh I would SOOOO love to win this one! It would totally make my day!

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  87. Oh, how I could use a little eye candy right now. Thanks for the generous giveaway.
    xoxo,
    k

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  88. Hooray! Looks lovely. Have you come across Domino: The Book of Decorating? I currently have my sights set on that one, too... though I suppose I ought to be cleaning my own space, actually... sigh.

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  89. Looks inspiring on many fronts. Thanks for hosting the giveaway.

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  90. Love and need this. I'm in a design and home-y-ness rut. I can't believe they have 7 kids.

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  91. Not a chance am going to miss that.. even though odds of me winning are 107 to 1.. :) desperate? i think so

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