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:

Amanda said...

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.

TX Girl said...

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

Unknown said...

Yes, they r a league unto their own!

Kayna said...

yes please!

Engracia said...

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

Rebecca Robison said...

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

Chantel I. said...

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

Marjorie said...

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!

Unknown said...

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

Christina said...

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

Nicole said...

Is it possible this couple has cloned themselves?

:)

Rob and Carrie said...

Looks like a fabulous book!

Kim Davalos said...

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

Sarah Bradley said...

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

Tilley love said...

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

Whitney said...

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

Betsy said...

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

Sarah Palfreyman said...

This book is on my wish list!

LobotoME said...

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 ;)

kalanicut said...

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!

Jeanne said...

I would love to copy their gallery wall!

Stephanie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
nicole said...

awe worthy!

Stephanie said...

I could certainly use some fun inspiration!

Anonymous said...

I'd love to snag a copy of this!

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

Molly Ford said...

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.

Lindsey said...

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

ita darling. said...

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

aly said...

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!

Elissa said...

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

Holly said...

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

Heather said...

Wow, what an impressive team! :)

Samantha said...

Wow, I can bearly cope with one kiddo!

Susan said...

I'd love to browse this book. Thanks!

nichole said...

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.

:)

CassK said...

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

Tamsin said...

That really sounds like my kind of book.

heather said...

Would love to leaf through that amazing book!

kim said...

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

Abbie said...

SEVEN?! Wow.

Great giveaway!

Megan said...

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

amber {daisy chain} said...

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

lee said...

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

Rita Finn said...

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!

michelle said...

I'd love to own a copy!

MHerhav said...

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.

gigi said...

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

mhhunt said...

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

Allison said...

Awesome! Thanks!

Lori said...

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!

Jackie said...

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!

MollieB said...

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

Paige said...

They sound fascinating!

You Are My Fave said...

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

Unknown said...

Love this book!

Thanks for the giveaway!

Inklore said...

Can't wait to read this one!

Melissa A said...

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

Ger said...

it looks like a great book!

Cate said...

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

Elsa May said...

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...

Unknown said...

What an inspiring couple. Thanks for the giveaway!

meezo said...

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.

Leslie said...

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

Taylor said...

oh I would LOVE to own that book.

happy holidays!

Susan said...

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

Emily said...

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.

Tiffanyloreneallen said...

Wowseres! Impressive, a fun treasure to have indeed!

Anonymous said...

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

Michelle said...

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

Julia said...

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

seventeen.seconds said...

i would love to win - the book sounds great.

mb said...

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

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

Anna said...

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

Maggie said...

please pick me! I need inspiration! xoxox

Allison said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Allison said...

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

Unknown said...

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

Lomyee said...

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

The Depressed Yogi said...

Wow they are incredible!!!

Kristen said...

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.

paula said...

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

h said...

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!!!

Heather Taylor said...

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

Anonymous said...

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 :)

jack, lucy, finn, dot, martha, and rocky said...

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!

trina said...

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

Trina

Cher said...

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

Merrick said...

Wow, that book sounds amazing!

Jennifer said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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

Cathi said...

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

Sarah said...

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

mominaledo said...

Maybe it's my lucky day!

thevioletpear said...

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

Unknown said...

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!

Kate Wall said...

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!

Unknown said...

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 :-)

elisabeth said...

I could use their advice!

julie machen said...

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!

Unknown said...

Ciao!

CMN said...

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

kate oates said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

selina said...

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

Jennie Horn said...

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

samia said...

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