Just a guess, but it wouldn't surprise me if you got more hot-and-bothered comments about the American flag being misused as a window treatment than the color-coded books.
Talk about a hot-button topic. Nice redo, otherwise.

love so many things here like the new sofa, the pillows and brighter paint colors. i can appreciate the books organized by color, but (sorry to start with a negative-sounding comment) i do not like use of the American flag as a curtain. i know it is an "object", but i think it deserves more respect than being used to block sunlight or prying eyes. other than that, i like so much of what i see here.

It was contrasting the American flag next to some sweaty sumo wrestler butt-cheeks that raised my eyebrows. Not exactly my style, but the Novogratzs are know to push the envelope!

Nice place. And come on, it's just a flag. better than taped into a car window or flying off the back of some big truck. If it was any other nations flag, no one would raise a stink about it. Remember all the Union flags as kids decor last week?

So...it appears these designers went shopping for him and then organized his books and hung a flag, dorm room style, as a curtain.

I wonder how much they got paid for that. After that I will wonder why I didn't go to design school.

I love the look and didn't even think about the flag 'problem' till I saw the other notes. I think it looks great! Also love all the weathered wood furniture.

Gotta admit I did prefer the bookcase 'before' though!

Flag as window covering is offensive to me.

why do people find the flag offensive? on a wall=not offensive but over a window=offensive? please explain

Here come the flag trolls! I think AT is on their watch list since the last "flags as decor" round up. There colors don't run, etc.

Organizing the books by color doesn't seem to add much, it's such a tired look. But whatever, I would live here in a second! That garden is to die for.

I am not a sparkly chandelier person, but I need that chandelier.

The outdoor space looks like a little slice of heaven.

Wow, this apartment is just lovely. Perfect for quiet book reading. Totally my style. If only they would stage my house before I sell it...
A girl can dream.

books arranged by color - ugh!

The flag over the window accentuates the beauty of the window and the flag! Light filtering through material is always wonderful. I really like this place, the garden is great. If you are going to go edgy, I say that the rooster print and graphic flower painting doesn't work as well as the other art.

Sorry, the flag used as a curtain, touching the floor is disrespectful. To each his own, I guess.

Choosing to ignore @Jessicamc's rather insulting comment (ok-- maybe not quite ignoring it. Name-calling, Jess? Really?) there are actually Federal laws in place governing the use & treatment of the American flag, and this application breaks at least 2 of them. Here you go: http://www.usa-flag-site.org/etiquette.shtml Maybe you'll learn something useful.
For what it's worth, I tend to pick and choose amongst the rules myself. I don't really have a problem with the image of the flag being used on decor items, for example, though it's not really my taste. I do object to actual flags being "repurposed", dragged on the floor, sat upon, etc. They're unitaskers-- one of the few. If you still can't see why this would bug someone, maybe try envisioning, I don't know, a crucifix transformed into a kicky towel rack? Or a Muslim prayer rug used as a colorful non-skid pad for the litter box? Some things just are what they are.

The flag is not touching the floor and I watched the show and don't find anything disrespectful. People just love to complain about the flag for no reason at all. Graybert has it right on, the light filtering through the fabric shows off its beauty. The outdoor space turned out incredible, loved that canopy.

I do not see why Novogratz duo get the adulation they do. I think this is mediocre to just plain bad. I do like the chandelier, though.

Flag as curtain: offensive. Books by color: revealing, in a bad way.

@Rural and Rueful: couldn't agree more.

I love this home and so many things about it. Shocking that it took a design team to make this happen, but I love it anyway. Would love to live there.

Shelves look worse and make me think judgmental bad thoughts about the intelligence of people who color coordinate their books. I'm not saying they are less intelligent, but I immediately snap to that judgment and have to pull myself back and think nicer thoughts.

A poster wrote: "It's just a flag." Really? Wow. I suppose the thousands who died (and their families) for the freedom to say that may think differently. Anyway, aside from the flag (that is beautiful by the way) hanging as a curtain, I love this space. I love the layout and the design.

I had a friend who won a Grammy. She felt it awkward, like she was boasting, to display it front and center in her tiny home. Instead, she kept it in the kitchen cabinet between the cereal and sugar so she could look at it every morning. I like that here too, the Emmy's are in the bedroom when they could have been displayed in the open on the bookshelves. Nice choice.

I don't actually have strong feelings either way about books organized by color, but it does bug me that anyone might think his bookshelves look so much more organized just because they rearranged them by color. They also got rid of about half his books, which is what really made the difference.
And THANK YOU for mentioning the Emmys. While I was watching the episode, I kept seeing glimpses of them and being like, wait, are those, what the, did I just see, does he have multiple EMMYS on that dresser?

Count me as another flag troll. Disrespectful. Federal law. What else do you need to know about why not to do this?

I kind of feel that if it was a curtain with a flag print, it would have been better. But it's a flag taped the wall and it's backwards, But whatever.

I like that the place looks more lived in, but I feel that the owners are just paying for the time that they don't have, because this place doesn't look professionally done. It's neat though. I wouldn't say that there isn't really anything that I don't like, except bike in the bedroom, but since it was already there, I guess putting it on the wall is better. Oh, wait and the bookshelves.

Just reading the American Flag Etiquette link that was provided by a poster. The Olympics are in violation of many :O

@thatkris on the internet a "troll" is someone who leaves inflammatory comments on websites they otherwise never visit. That has happened on this site when posts about flags as decor have come up. I'm not sure how my using that term would insult you personally.

Outdoor space is a win! Original scrolly window screens are also gorgeous, although they were there to begin with, obviously. Love the couch. Colour book organization is a big meh. Flag controversy - let's just say I'm glad to be a Canadian where this discussion would never happen.

"I do not see why Novogratz duo get the adulation they do. I think this is mediocre to just plain bad." AGREED.

The flag code isn't actual law, in that nobody could come and arrest you, but it is a strong code of etiquette. I don't like this, but it's not as bad as the people who leave their tattered outdoor flag up 24/7 in all weather.

I'm disappointed we didn't get more matching before/after shots for the bedroom, kitchen, and outdoor area.

I do loooooove the chandelier, but other than that, I'm not really into a lot of the decor choices. It's not just that it's not my style, it doesn't really seem coherent to me. I would think it was fine/cool if a friend had put it together, but I'm surprised that people would pay a premium for designers to end up with this.

Having just moved into a new space myself, I totally appreciate the Novogratz' refinements. It is so hard to see the forest through the tress, especially with regard to something as personal as your own home. And damned if they do, damned if they don't. Some of the refinements might seem simple, obvious and "cheap" (organizing books on shelves) but as we all know, we lose objectivity in assessing our own space. Whenever I've serendipitously finessed some part of my space, I will float on that for weeks, euphoric to have lived in a space for weeks/months/years but to see it again for the first time. I was impressed with the restraint of this recent Novogratz redesign, and yet their choices still helped liven and gel the different rooms.

people are so precious about the flag. i wish people got this outraged by something important, like war, famine, the oppression of civil rights, banks and corporations robbing the public blind. but oh no, the flag is a curtain!! terrible!!

as for the design... while i like the after space (except for the bookshelves... looked better before), it doesn't seem like something you'd hire a designer for. just something you'd slowly fix and curate over a few years in a space.

Flag decor has never been to my taste, but a flag that is hung backward and draped, two violations of the flag code, just communicates ignorance to me--just as much as an upside-down cross would, or a 0 used instead of an O in a sign.

OK, on second thought, an argument could be made that it's not backward--it's backward if you're looking at it through the window, but not if you're in the room. Still tacky.

I like the tv center/book shelf. Not the way it is organized but the unit itself is nice. The rest of the place I don't care for. Can't stand the poster. The flag doesn't bother me at all - I'm sure the person who has the American flag in their home as a window treatment still has respect for the American Flag or they wouldn't have it in their home at all, right?

Well having that photograph over the couch as you're coming in to plop down with a bag of chips would have a salutory effect, I suppose.

All the flag posturing is stupid. Get worried about something important, like American children who don't have enough to eat or a safe place to sleep. Then start lecturing sanctimoniously about the flag.

I don't really care about the "code" (I prefer Wikipedia's term "standards of respect," since yes, you aren't going to be hauled off to jail for violating etiquette established during WWII) but I would point out that displaying a flag of that size so prominently in your home means you must have some respect for your country.

@ Snowdogmaine; I was just thinking the same things when I came to your comment. Better to work for the basic well being of all people in the country represented by a flag, than conventions of reverence for the flag-as-symbol.

I watched the episode Saturday and thought they did a great job with the apartment. Please note; this is not a large space, except for the ceiling height, and although there are small touches of color, the room is monochromatic giving a sense of space. Thank you, Courtney & Robert.

For some reason, every time I see a Novogratz design (?) I think about how the Emperor has no clothes.

@Rural and Rueful--I agree completely; well-stated.

As for the "it's just a flag," and "why don't you worry about something important," folks, I don't understand you at all. Setting aside the tackiness of using the flag as a window treatment--and it is tacky--the flag isn't just another piece of fabric. And I say that as someone who is hardly a flag-waving conservative. Also, I am very much concerned about the "real" issues some of you mention; being appalled by this design choice has nothing to do with those issues. One can be outraged by systemic indifference to poverty, war, and lack of banking regulation AND outraged by this use of the flag.

Having said that, I also can't stand the sumo wrestlers photo. And color-coordinated bookshelves are an abomination nearly as horrible as using the flag as a curtain.

At least they didn't use those damn light boxes to spell out some inspirational message --

This looks like a really expensive guy's dorm room.

I love this. I do wish they'd brought something a little bit edgier to the kitchen though.

I think the place looks FANTASTIC. Personally, I'd get tired of looking at the Sumo guys after a day or two, but artistically, I think the print looks great.

The flag issue reminds me of how when I was little, we were told that if you didn't dress up to go to church, you were insulting God. Well, if their God is that petty, he deserves to be insulted. Same with a country that brainwashes its people to fight each other over a design on a piece of cloth. You can HAVE that brand of "patriotism," AKA brainwashed superstition.

Sometimes I think that color-coding the bookshelves looks too artificial, but in this case it made a huge improvement. And your explanation makes such sense! I'd still want to keep certain books together, like all my Hiking or Electrical Wiring books, but I think I might give color coding a try, after seeing it used here so successfully. BTW you can be pretty certain that most people who complain about it didn't read your explanation; oh, well. They probably had more important things to do like go worship the graven image of the flag.

Do I like this style? Yes. Could I see it in my house and enjoy it? Some of it. I think so. Do I think it takes a designer to do this? No. I typically like the Novogratz duo's unique finds, but as decorators, I am not impressed -- love their personal style and family, cute couple, keen ability to rehab fun items, but as decorators... not sure what the big deal is.

There is something about a worn flag that has an heirloom quality, the colors, the textures - its past life, BUT as a curtain, it reminds me of a university dorm room. It's not offensive, but it isn't exactly stylish here, so I'd error on a more tasteful (respectful) alternative. At least there are no gold gnomes or giant letters in light boxes in the room.

I wouldn't put a flag up in my window because I live in Orange County, where some crazy-ass vandal would surely throw a rock through the window in their outrage. Also because it looks sloppy. I myself would be tempted to throw rocks at the sumo wrestlers.

I am pleased so many other people are as offended by the US flag window treatment as I am. These are not designers I have ever liked so I'm not surprised. To all our military personnel who have given their lives to protect our right to fly a flag and serve our country . . . I salute you and am thankful you are there. I apologize to you for the offensive treatment of the symbol I hold most dear.

The kitchen table would work in a greenhouse, backyard or tool shed but I wouldn't want to cook or eat on it. Too "edgy" for my taste.

@Williamsweyr- Well said.

what about the bedroom? where's the after?

What struck me is the worn out kitchen island. I know it is the whole "shabby chic" thing, but to me it just looks filthy, like lead based paint chips might get in the food. Prefer my kitchen to look hygienic. Not sterile, but clean. As a book lover I say put the books back as they were so it looks like someone actually reads in that house. Garden dining area lovely.

I have that sofa, its from CB2. But i thought it was missing something, so I got 2 little swatches of fabric and barely eeked out 7 buttons to put in the tufts so it looked a bit more mid century, it was totally worth it. I have plans to replace the cold metal legs with wood ones but I cant find any. Its actually a great sofa, lounging near the arm isnt great unless you have a pillow, but its super long and a person can easily sleep comfortably. Plus no loose back pillows so it always looks sharp.

Dislike the kitchen island, which looks like something retrieved from a flood, and the use of the flag (even though I'm to the Left politically).

I normally dislike the whole idea of grouping books by color, but I have to say that the After shot of the shelves looks much more visually pleasing to the eye than the Before.

All in all, an improvement, but nothing earthshaking.

Yeah, the flag as a curtain? Ugh. BTW, disliking this does not make one a troll or any of the other disrespectful slams that've been used here. I hold a deep appreciation for the symbolic power of our national flag & gratitude for the radical, democratic history it stands for.

@MrsBerg

This is an American site and that is an American flag so it shouldn't be surprising that people have been critical of the way it is being used. If the people of another country are OK with the use of their flag in such a way then that is their business and their right.

"I do not see why Novogratz duo get the adulation they do. I think this is mediocre to just plain bad." AGREED.

Thirded. I barely know who the Novogratzes are, but this is...very, very average.

That sumo picture is horrid.

Oh, and if I was American, that flag would bug me as well.

Nice modern looking kitchen but horrible island. Sumo wrestlers?? Stupid and disrespectful use of the flag. As someone else said, if the flag was simply a part of the material then maybe but that is an actual flag.

Three Emmys show in the before; two in the after. Hmm. Overall, I like it but yeah, the shabby dresser / island & Sumo's are a 'no thanks'.

Comment this flag. Poor taste if that's an actual vintage flag, but more likely it's an "I'm free to do this, so ha ha." statement by the designer and sadly concurred by the owner rather than finding something else that would have looked great w/o the juvenile shock value.

I love to color code bookcases & my clients do too. Once you add objects of same or similar color to those shelves, it speaks to a creativity that often gets lost in a bookcase. I too don't appreciate the American flag used as a curtain. It will fade & that is very sad.

I watched the program, am a fan of the Novagratz enterprise, own their book---but couldn't live with their choices. Books lined up according to color is crazy, but I'm a scholar who knows and values her book collection,(owned 10,000 books before retirement to a 1-bedroom apartment which meant disposing lots. The use of the American flag is crass, perhaps trendy, but not my choice.

Also, watching the process, I wondered how and why a person would give over all the choices to designers. And the art work is repugnant! Enuff said!

I am American...I have some Native American blood and my first European ancestors came here in 1623 (Dutch) and many more came over the next century or so. Most fought in the American Revolution and were given land in Kentucky as compensation. These ancestors are listed in the 1790 census, the first one. Many others in my family fought in wars from that time to now. I love America but dislike nationalism--and I am much more offended by how the Fourth of July has been commercialized (oh all the idiotic e-mails I received from companies trying to sell me something using the birth of our country as bait) than by how the flag is used in this home. I like the Americana of it. Personally I steer clear of using the flag in decor because it clashes with my style and because I do not want to hear the legalistic stuff from people. I'd rather as a nation we care more about people, here and abroad, and about spreading freedom by example than a set of rules. I think the flag would be more respected if we did.

I am glad books categorized by color works for these folks--it would not for me. Sometimes I think I remember a book cover being one way and when I pull the cover it is another way. I shelve mine by category and then groups within categories that make sense. But the important thing is being able to find a book when it is needed.

I like the Novogratz' style very much, though sometimes is seems more like their 'style' than the wishes of the owner. The thing that I found glaring was the Sumo wrestler print. They said they were going for rustic Americana-use a Japanese sports poster? Didn't get it. I agree about not using the flag that way, and I absolutely HATE the Olympians wearing to around their shoulders. Utterly wrong, not matter how you try to explain it. I liked the rustic kitchen island, and NO COMMENT about the color-coed bookcase.

Huge thanks to the Novogratz's and David Perler for including me in this fun project! I'm excited to see more of Cortney and Bob's work throughout this new season.

Michael De Feo
mdefeo.com

Way to get around the cluttered book look (without organizing by color). I love my books and would never organize by color, but if you have a small place and want to have less visual clutter, think about putting moulding on the top of a bookshelf and attaching a window shade underneath. Pull down the shade (or up the shade if you have one of those kind) when you want less visual clutter.

Books arranged by color? What's next? By height?

But the garden is lovely.

I like the kitchen work table & would like to know where he got it. I don't care for the books organized by color. I try to keep mine by subject - like all cookbooks together. I would not do the flag curtain, but its ok. What I like most, besides the kitchen table is the outdoor space & the tables/desks placed in front of windows.

I think the flag is gorgeous - but NOT as a curtain. I like the kitchen island - but in a workshop. I can't believe a "line drawing" of a rooster is really called "art" - of course I really hate the sumo picture and the skull indian - also called "art". I guess I just don't get the Novogratz "hype". I like the garden.

I thought the use of the flag is safe enough not to arise "communism"=== out of sight --out of mind"---reminds us of what we are --priviledged to be Americans, doesnt have to be on a flag pole. He wasnt wearing it as underwear or draped on a toilet.

I'm a visual person (with photographic memory), and my books are colour coded as it's easier for me to find which one I want. I also feel it looks less visually cluttered. Fair enough if it doesn't work for you or if you don't like the way it looks, but please enlighten me as to how this makes me less intelligent thorndale?

Diana in BGKY wrote: "I am American...I have some Native American blood and my first European ancestors came here in 1623 (Dutch) and many more came over the next century or so."

Everyone born in America is a native American Diana. If you wish to honor your Indian ancestors prior to colonization then the proper way would be to refer to them by the tribal name of the time since America as a country, the collective of two continents, and the name, did not even exist.

"Most fought in the American Revolution and were given land in Kentucky as compensation. These ancestors are listed in the 1790 census, the first one. Many others in my family fought in wars from that time to now. I love America but dislike nationalism--and I am much more offended by how the Fourth of July has been commercialized (oh all the idiotic e-mails I received from companies trying to sell me something using the birth of our country as bait) than by how the flag is used in this home."

With all due respect, and I mean that, tracing your ancestry back to the founding of America doesn't make you any more American or give your comments anymore weight than an American with a shorter American ancestry. The displaying of a flag and and the comments stated thus far, by anyone else, does not have anything to do with "nationalism." It is a matter of respect, etiquette, and patriotism. Americans rarely use the word "nationalism" in place of patriotism, and why would they since they are two different things. Your remarks sound much more like what someone from Europe would say as the concept of patriotism, and the distinction between it and nationalism, is not so common over there.

"I like the Americana of it. Personally I steer clear of using the flag in decor because it clashes with my style and because I do not want to hear the legalistic stuff from people. I'd rather as a nation we care more about people, here and abroad, and about spreading freedom by example than a set of rules. I think the flag would be more respected if we did."

More respected? No, those that hate and that are envious, the enemies of America, are not going to be convinced otherwise. Overall, America has done more than any country in history to secure and promote freedom and democracy throughout the world.

When it comes to the flag, us Aussies rarely display our flag, except on Australia day or at international sporting events. I love American patriotism! Surely having your flag feature so beautifully in your home says more about the owners national pride and love for country than demonstrating disrespect for the flag. I love the juxtaposition of the flag against the Sumo poster! Everthing works so beautifully together in this room..super congrats!

I like this space...the books look cleaner and I happen to like them organized by color...it's fun...no harm done...sumo guy is I guess an acquired taste, and it does not have to be mine as this is not my home. ..I admire the Novogratz's and think they are an amazing family..7 great kids and creative parents who have their heart in the right place, even if they miss a few...the home owner is happy, and to me, that is all that matters.

Will everybody please check their "flag hanging rules" before moaning.....it is NOT backwards...that is the correct way to hang the flag vertically. The stars are ALWAYS in the upper Left.

Shheeesh, wasn't anyone else a Boyscout?

And I think it looks GREAT! How beautiful with the light coming through......

Color-coded books. Really? Really? All that says to me is "non-readers" who see books as nothing more than props. I'm a scholar and my thousands of books are organized mainly by period and then by author. Do I know what color each spine is? Yes, of course, but would you color code your kitchen cupboard and drawers? All brown things here (potatoes, wooden spoons, napkin holder, parchment paper). All blue items here (mixing bowl, butter dish, spatula). All green stuff here (lettuce, oven glove, can opener, asparagus). Ha! Ridiculous for anybody who actually uses the stuff.

I like the kitchen island on wheels. I like the garden. The rest is "eh", but whatever works for the people who live there. The flag issue? Well, if it was hanging outside getting blown around in the wind & the rain would that be anymore respectful? It's hanging in the sunlight for all to see while being protected from the elements. I agree, however, with one of the posters would said it looks like a "dorm room". I don't know about this one specifically, but most American flags I've seen were made in China anyway. So how about that! People will get all bent out of shape if the flag is touching the floor, but it it was purchased at Walmart & made in a factory in China by 5 year old children... then that's ok. Sheesh!

There is a lot to like in the 'After'. The art, whilst not to my taste, does make the ceilings look higher (note to self - put up those pictures that are stacked behind doors!) Not being American, I have no thoughts about the use of the flag either way. For privacy, I would prefer a curtain in a plain, thicker fabric, but from a design point of view, a flag is better than no window dressing at all. The shelves look more organised, and the addition of furniture and accessories in the living room makes the space appear bigger. All in all, I think the re-do successfully shows the difference a few tweaks can make to a space.

@Shirleyzb "I wondered how and why a person would give over all the choices to designers. "
If designers offered to redo my house, I would give them free reign in a heartbeat! I love my house and things, but am totally clueless when it comes to decorating.

I'm an American interior design gal and over the years had become a little bored with our orderly rooms, perfect scale and balance, everything matching just so, and looking a bit precious, like a model home...and not so much that there's anything wrong with that, especially if that if what makes your client feel good in their home, i was just feeling the need to break the rules a little, mix it up, even discover the quirky side of client that they might like to explore. That's when I discovered the British vibe, through outlets like domino and living etc. Magazines. It was a super graphic eye opening wow, and whereas I sometimes look at those free spirited rooms and think , whoa that looks crazy, I have to say I always admire the freedom and spirit behind it. I have also come to understand, that when a client hires you as their designer, they are struggling on some level to achieve the space of their dreams, and really appreciate being pushed a bit out of their comfort zone.

Color coded books are not my thing and they have been way overdone recently. I prefer mine in alphabetical order because when I'm looking for "The Age of Innocence" I know to look in the "a" section and not have to remember if it was blue or green or red. It seems impractical to me, but I have a lot of books.

The flag as curtain issue is not my style but again to each their own. You bought the flag so you can do what you want with it ... because of that flag and everything it stands for you do have the freedom to do with it as you will (regardless of how tacky or improper or insulting everyone else thinks it is)

Will everybody please check their "flag hanging rules" before moaning.....it is NOT backwards...that is the correct way to hang the flag vertically. The stars are ALWAYS in the upper Left. -- James from TheCavenderDiary

No, this is inaccurate. When displayed in a window, as it is here, it should be hung so that the union appears in the upper left-hand corner from outside.

That isn't what most people are objecting to, though. The other relevant parts of the flag code: it shouldn't be used as drapery, shouldn't be drawn back or bunched up, shouldn't be used in a way likely to get it soiled/torn/damaged, shouldn't touch the ground, etc. That's what people are reacting to, not the way it's hanging (although that's also incorrect).

I get why people are offended by the American flag as window treatment. To be it's tooo college dorm decor.

Never been impressed by Novogratz and even less so now. Looks like a dorm room suite.
The U.S. flag as window treatment is, in my opinion, disrespectful. As a former New Yorker and U.S. citizen, post 9-11, I wanted to hang the flag 24-7 until a neighbor and veteran told me to check out the proper way to display the flag. Here is the link:
http://www.usa-flag-site.org/etiquette.shtml. Learned quite a bit, apologized to the neighbor for my ignorance and started hanging the flag properly.
Oh, and yes, I do not only "worry about important things," but put my American butt in gear and so something about various causes.

Can anyone source that piece of sumo photography?