The Novogratz duo are best known for parenting seven children and managing a successful interior design empire, which includes everything from hit TV shows and a personalised decor line to a best-selling interior design book titled Downtown Chic. The family made their mark in the US by transforming residential properties from wrecks into luxury havens. So when an opportunity arose for them to design a boutique hotel with a sophisticated surf-shack vibe on the Jersey Shore, Robert and Cortney jumped at the chance.
Bungalow is the couple's first ever hotel project and they've already started work on a second one in the area. "We were very excited about expanding our work from residential to commercial," says Cortney. "It's a whole different challenge and we love that!"
They created the interiors for all 24 guest rooms and public spaces, including the café and outdoor areas. "The overall theme is chilled, comfortable, casual and chic," say the designers. One of the highlights of the hotel is the attention to detail: from the ‘Do Not Disturb' signs and fun bar coasters, to the beautiful wood detailing in the lobby and bar - a design collaboration with John Houshmand - the light-hearted vibe complements the surfing/beach concept nicely. "We are always about the detail; that is what makes us the Novogratzs," says Robert.
Sourcing vintage decor and art is one of the Novogratzs' passions. There are decorative pieces by artists and photographers from all over the world. As you enter the lobby of the hotel, you'll find a focal art piece on the wall by British artist, Ann Carrington. She was commissioned to create a large portrait of Queen Elizabeth II using thousands of pearls. Further down the room there's an impressive Brunswick pool table from the 1940s and a Brizzoni ‘foosball' table from the 1960s. Custom-made rugs were designed by Robert and Cortney in collaboration with The Rug Company. Other decor pieces were picked from Kartell and designed by Philippe Starck. Each guestroom has a polished and refined appeal with a quirky edge, enhanced by the designers' careful selection of art displayed throughout.
"We had never created a space that had to serve so many different kinds of people and also withstand the usage of a public space," say the designers. "Our considerations had to be adjusted, but we think we figured it all out, since the hotel is hugely popular and always sold out! That is the best kind of positive reinforcement."
Bungalow Hotel, www.bungalowhotel.net
