Robert Novogratz — a New York-based designer and developer with over 25 years of experience buying, selling, and renovating homes and hotels alongside his wife and business partner, Cortney — has some advice.
The duo, who have seven children and call themselves the Novogratz, compiled the lessons they've learned throughout their years in the home renovation and design industry in a 2024 book.
"The best decisions we've ever made — the ones that felt right and true and are still with me today — were the ones we made when we were slightly limited, either financially or by square footage. Those are the moments that forced us to get creative," the couple wrote in the book.
The Novogratz have completed projects from Los Angeles to Brazil, including the bohemian-chic Hotel Dylan in Woodstock, New York, and the California mountain home of skateboarding legend Tony Hawk.
Here are seven mistakes homeowners often make when renovating and designing their homes, from choosing the wrong-sized furniture to hanging art too high, according to Robert Novogratz.
1. One mistake many homeowners make is not hiring the right contractor.Cortney Novogratz speaking with contractors.
Courtesy of Robert Novogratz
"When you hire a contractor, check all of their references and previous work extensively," he told Business Insider. "It's crucial for everything, from avoiding lawsuits to preventing thievery or shoddy work and making sure the job is finished on time."
Novogratz recommends checking at least three references and visiting their past projects in person before hiring a contractor. He said failing to conduct proper due diligence could cost homeowners hundreds or thousands of dollars.
"The world has become very litigious," Novogratz said. "Anytime someone walks on your property, you're at risk, so your general contractor needs to be insured. As a homeowner, you should also be included in their policies as 'additional insured.'"
2. People often choose furniture that's too large or too small for a room, which can throw off its entire vibe.Novogratz's interior design style effortlessly combines whimsy with sophistication.
Courtesy of Robert Novogratz
Novogratz said getting the scale right is key.
Furniture that's too small can get lost in a room, while pieces that are too large can overwhelm the space.
The same goes for rugs, he added.
3. Homeowners who don't stick to their renovation budgets might buy things they don't truly need.The Novogratzes designed this kitchen in Greenwich Village, Manhattan.
Courtesy of Robert Novogratz
Novogratz suggests homeowners create a wish list when renovating their home and follow it closely.
"You want to stick to that budget and then pick what you want in your home," he said.
4. Artwork is often hung too high on walls.A room designed by the Novogratz.
Courtesy of Robert Novogratz
"Usually, 60 inches from the center of an art piece is how you hang something on a wall. But art is hung too high sometimes — I see that a lot," Novogratz said.
Hanging art at this height can ensure it's at eye level for most people, making it easier to enjoy. It also might help the room feel more intentional and organized.
5. People add too many colors and patterns to their homes, which can be overwhelming.The Novogratz are known for infusing bold splashes of color into their designs, adding a modern twist to classic styles.
Courtesy of Robert Novogratz
"My wife and I love color and patterns in homes, but sometimes it can be a problem," Novogratz said. "You might see checks, stripes, dots, or other patterns that just don't work together. It can be too much.
He emphasized that great interior design is about balance and making sure all elements complement each other in a cohesive and harmonious way.
"Editing is key in design — more isn't always more," Novogratz added. "I love many things, but sometimes less is better."
According to Novogratz, a home "should tell a story." Mixing and matching elements, like having "five different hardwood floors" or mismatched decor styles, can be a chaotic faux pas.
"I'm one of those people that believes everything has to make sense — the dots need to connect the chapters," he said.
6. Homeowners sometimes back-burner structural necessities in their quest to make spaces aesthetically pleasing.A Greenwich Village home that the Novogratzs renovated.
Courtesy of Robert Novogratz
"We all want to make the house beautiful, but when you're building, the most important thing is getting the basics right," Novogratz said.
"Don't just patch the roof — make it perfect," he added. "The plumbing and the electrical work might seem boring, but they're the most important. Make sure that doesn't come back to bite you in the ass."
7. People ignore their intuition. Don't — it's your greatest asset.Robert and Cortney Novogratz.
Courtesy of Robert Novogratz.
"Sometimes a home has great bones but a weird layout or floor plan," Novogratz said. "You have to get a little creative. For us — like anyone else — our gut instincts are usually right. When we've ignored them, we've been wrong."
