Cortney & Robert Novogratz Are on the Lookout for the Eclectic

We asked top L.A. designers to share their secret sources, favorite places, and greatest scores around LCDQ through the years. The answers provide any shopper with an A-list tour through the quarter and beyond.

Husband and wife design team Cortney and Robert Novogratz have two passions: design and family. With their seven kids, (yes, 7), they relocated from NYC to Los Angeles last year but continue to create imaginative and chic interiors with their signature mix of high-low for clients all over the country and the world. Brazil, Woodstock, NY, Hollywood Hills, Palm Beach…

And their creative family keeps growing. There’s a collection with The Shade Store, rug designs for Momeni, and a line with CB2 as well as their own online store. Let’s not forget the trio of books they’ve penned on alluring style—from downtown chic to breezy bohemian.

In between their latest projects, sketching designs, and what must be very busy dinner times, Cortney was nice enough to share what they love (and where they go) in the LCDQ…

Favorite thing about visiting & shopping LCDQ is…

“That everything is so close together. When we were new to Los Angeles, it was a great place for Robert and I to go to see so much in one area.”

Best score ever was…

“Paint is not a tangible thing, but Farrow & Ball does have the best paints on the market. These paints are not only a perfect match when renovating an old house, but also are great for new construction to give the home a layered feel and to bring some soul into it. Our recent favorites are Ammonite, Stiffkey Blue, and Calamine.”

Biggest design weakness and where I get my fix…

“Hunting for antiques. Lee Stanton Antiques is the best. He has great taste and since relocating to Los Angeles, I’m lucky to now call him a friend.”

Where I take clients (and myself) before/after shopping LCDQ…


“If I’m being honest, I enjoy taking a client or even myself to the rainbow umbrella fruit stands. It’s super healthy, cheap, and is something unique to Los Angeles I had no idea about until I moved here. The beauty is the conversation I get with the vendor and my client. Design can sometimes be intimidating for folks, and I’ve found that these fruit stands bring happiness and remind us that life and design can be simple and fun. One thing I’ve learned is that sometimes they move from corner to corner so you may have to walk around a little in search of one, but the walking is good for you.“

For non-design browsing around the LCDQ…

“Being a mother of 7, we somehow always end up in the West Hollywood Park. I love the different sculptures that happen from time to time and the characters enjoying everything from the basketball court to the pool to the playground. It’s an oasis in the middle of the city.” 

Where I have a post-shopping cocktail…

“Bar Marmont for a margarita, especially because we can walk home from there.”

Hotels I’d recommend to visitors…

“The Palihotel and Farmer’s Daughter Hotel. I love supporting small, boutique places.”

Inspiring place to see close to LCDQ…

“Most people love walking down Robertson for the shopping, but if you walk down the side streets, there are a beautiful mix of styles of homes—Spanish, bungalow, small cottage—you name it. If ever our kids eventually move out, we’d love to go there.”

The hidden gem of LCDQ is really…

“Everyone’s always racing to Cecconi’s, which is great, but Robert and I have been known to end up at Il Piccolino, which is smaller and feels more intimate.“

Biggest misconception visitors have about LCDQ is…

“It’s not all high-end. There’s a mix of eclectic stores.”


CORTNEY + ROBERT NOVOGRATZ: MY LCDQ

Keep up with Cortney and Robert and their world… thenovogratz.com

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