The Novogratz name is synonymous with bold, joyful design—and this summer, the family’s historic Berkshires estate is shining brighter than ever. Robert Novogratz gives us a personal look inside the whimsical summer makeover of their 1917 country home. From vibrant new furnishings to a gallery wall of cherished memories, Robert shares how the family reimagined their beloved retreat—and what it’s like inside one of America’s most design-savvy households. —Noa Nichol
What inspired you to give your Berkshires estate a summer revival this year, and how did your vision evolve from past iterations?
We were craving something lighter and more playful this summer. The house has great bones, so it wasn’t about starting over. It was about refreshing with color, texture, and pieces that reflect where we are now as a family.
The entryway piano and colourful Momeni rug create such a playful welcome—how do you balance whimsy and function when designing for your own home?
We always want our homes to be joyful and livable. The piano invites music and spontaneity, and the rug from our new Icon collection with Momeni, a nod to the Bauhaus design movement, grounds the space with bold color and durability. It’s fun that works.
Tell us about the gallery wall of family photos—how do personal elements shape your design philosophy, and what advice do you have for people wanting to do something similar?
Personal touches are what make a house feel like home. Our gallery wall tells our family story. It’s imperfect, evolving, and full of heart. We always say to mix it up, include the memories that matter, and don’t be too precious.
Lighting is clearly a big deal in your spaces. What role did your new Pooky Collection play in setting the tone throughout the home?
Lighting changes everything. Our new Pooky collection is all about chic colorful outdoor lamps with bold patterned shades. They’re rechargeable so you can move them around with ease from the porch to the dining table to wherever the night takes you. We love how they bring style and flexibility especially in a home meant for gathering.
You’re known for blending vintage treasures with modern finds—what are some of your favorite pieces in the home, and is there a story behind any of them?
We love pieces with soul. Our French dining table is a favorite. It’s worn in all the right ways. We pair it with modern chairs or playful lighting.
How do you approach updating a historic property like this without losing its original charm?
We preserve what’s beautiful. The floors the trim the details. Then we layer in our personality. It’s all about honoring the history while making it feel fresh and lived in.
Your projects often feel joyful, layered, and lived-in—how do you create that signature Novogratz atmosphere, especially in a vacation home?
We want our spaces to feel relaxed and collected not too perfect. We use art books music and scent to bring in warmth. Especially in a getaway home comfort and character are key.
From the Berkshires to your collabs with brands like Momeni and Pooky, how does your product design influence your interiors (and vice versa)?
It’s all connected. We design products we’d actually want in our own homes. Bold functional and full of personality. Our interiors inform our collections and our collections bring something new to our spaces.
What are some summer design trends or colour palettes you’re loving right now that made it into the estate refresh?
We’re loving earthy greens terracotta and soft blues. Colors that feel grounded but fresh. Natural textures like cane and rattan plus pops of saturated color brought summer energy to the space.
What’s next for Studio Novogratz? Can you give us a sneak peek at any upcoming projects or collaborations?
We have some new product launches and design projects on the horizon that we’re really excited about. We’re also leaning into storytelling showing more behind the scenes and continuing to grow The Novogratz in fun creative ways.
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