When the interior design duo Novogratz – famous for the HGTV series Home by Novogratz – acquired the building for their permanent New York address, one could hardly have guessed at the exuberance of the past. This building on Waverly Place had been abandoned for decades, and throughout its skeleton, there was rampant dilapidation, and it was on the brink of crumbling. Robert and Cortney Novogratz’s great challenge was to carry out a thorough restoration at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, while facing major challenges in the supply of raw materials. Despite all the difficulties, the project was completed in two years, with a few archaeological surprises along the way. The couple found some century-old wallpaper, part of previous decorations, which would spawn a wallpaper collection – Tempaper Wallpaper – exclusive to The Novogratz Collection, among other products inspired by the memories of Pink House, extending its legacy beyond the confines of the Big Apple.
Robert and Cortney committed themselves wholeheartedly to the rebirth of this slice of New York history. The interiors were dressed in the highest quality plaster, all the joinery was made to order, the floors and windows were replaced, a lift was installed and a refreshing garden was created in the courtyard.