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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Book Review: Downtown Chic

sixx design book
I was thrilled to receive an e-mail a couple of weeks ago stating that the incredibly hip duo, Robert and Cortney Novogratz of Sixx Design were fans of my blog. They thought I might like to read their new book, Downtown Chic, so they sent me a copy. Well, not only did I like it, I absolutely loved it! Not only is it a testament to the Novogratzes’ design aesthetic, but to the way they go about living their lives. They have the ability to see the beauty in even things and places most people would disregard.
sixx design
Downtown Chic chronicles some of the Novoogratzes’ best known and best loved projects including their incredible townhouse and two of their most recent projects, 24 Bungalow, a chic boutique hotel on the Jersey Shore and 5 CENTRE MARKET PLACE, a conversion of a former gun shop in SoHo.

Each project features an eclectic mix of modern and vintage elements as well as high-end and thrift store pieces. The book serves as a wonderful guidebook for anyone who is about to buy a home or is in the process of renovating. It is filled with helpful hints such as: “Tips for Buying a Wreck, Get Inspired: Where to Go for Ideas, Shopping for a New House: Style on a Shoestring, and How to Flea, and Decorating with Flea Market Finds.”
sixx design2 Then, the book goes on to nine chapters filled with invaluable information and inspiring images for anyone who loves design. There is an entire chapter on renovating one’s home, as well as chapters on adding “French Urban Flair” to your home, designing a country house, entertaining, design for families with children (The Novogratzes have seven children including TWO sets of twins), and designing a dream home in a foreign land.
sixx design5
The book is essentially a treasure trove of information written in a witty and humorous style. One of my favorite things about it is the collection of inspiring quotes that are peppered throughout, naturally.
sixx design1
“I met a lot of people in Europe, I even encountered myself.”
– James Baldwin
sixx design6
“Trust your own instinct. Your mistakes might as well be your own instead of someone else’s.”
– Billy Wilder
sixx desgn3“Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.”
– Jean Cocteau

“Design is not making beauty. Beauty emerges from selection, affinities, integration, love.”
– Louis Kahn
sixx design 4
“It is better to fail in originality that to succeed in imitation.”
– Ben Franklin
sixx design7
“The details are not details. They make the design".”
– Charles Eames
Downtown Chic truly makes for an inspiring read and would make a fabulous holiday gift for your favorite design lover. If you’re like me and you can’t get enough of Sixx Design, look for their new reality show on Bravo, Design Sixx which is slated to premiere in January 2010.

14 comments:

Jami - XOimagine said...

Fantastic! I also posted my Downtown Chic review today!

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

Cool! Love the bed in the 7th picture.

Molly said...

Wow! What great ideas are in this book! I also LOVE that Bungalow 24 happens to be in the same place as one of my family's restaurants, I will have to check it out!

Molly said...

Wow! What great ideas are in this book! I also LOVE that Bungalow 24 happens to be in the same place as one of my family's restaurants, I will have to check it out!

Lauren said...

Those yellow shutters are so charming!!!

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

I agree, Sixx Design's new book is fabulous! I honestly don't know how they do it with all those young kids. I have two little ones and they wear me out.

And my blog's giveaway this week is the book, Downtown Chic

http://simplifiedbee.blogspot.com/2009/12/sixx-design-downtown-chic-book-giveaway.html

xo,
cristin

Minneapolis Modern Sheep said...

Wow! Thanks for the post. What a great book...Christmas gifts?

Anonymous said...

losing my mind over the photos in this book. buying immediately. :D thanks for sharing, Paloma!

Averill said...

Their O at Home spread is one of my all-time favorites and I can't wait to get a hold of this book. And I can't wait for their show!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures!! Thanks so much for the share -- I, too, am a big fan and I always look forward to your new posts :) keep it up!

Happy Holidays!
Melissa

Nay said...

Thanks for sharing, what a great book. I have to admit I am also a fan of yours. You are definitely my weekly read. xo

Giovanna said...

ooh, i want this book! i love the look of that second kitchen.

LindsB said...

I have this book on my Christmas list, I really hope Santa brings it this year :)

Anonymous said...

where can we buy the curtain sun block that we see in all child room
merci