5 Spaces For Cool Kids
Designing spaces for kids is really fun for me. I have two kids of my own, so I have some insight into what kids love and what colors and fabrics work best for kid’s rooms. I like to design a bit outside of the box, with elements that are whimsical and a bit unexpected. Here are five of my favorite rooms for the little ones…
House Tour: Juno Beach Project
Take a sneek peek at this oceanfront home we just designed in Juno Beach, Florida! Learn about my version of coastal decor and go behind the scenes of our recent photo shoot with acclaimed photographer Jessica Glynn.
Accessorizing Avery’s Coastal Home
Octopus, conch and coral – oh my! Often when I’m speaking in my home state of Florida, inevitably the topic of coastal design comes up. How can we do a specific theme without getting too kitschy? Avery wanted a coastal home. Her husband and growing family built a gorgeous new house on the intracoastal waterway.
The key to great accessorizing and artwork is subtly and repetition all with a bit of moderation. There are obvious choices like navy blue, coral and whitewashed or painted wood elements. I wanted Avery’s home to be fresh and pretty, but most certainly coastal.
{ALL images taken with my cell phone!!}
Adding contemporary elements to a coastal theme keep it feeling new and up to date.
Local floral cuttings are authentic and fun. Adding fur or textural elements are on trend and youthful.
Keeping thematic elements like shells to a minimum is key to an overall chic outcome.
Books whose subject matter is part of the theme are a smart choice, just make sure they are beautiful and sophisticated. IMG_0828 
Design Secrets: How to Make Pink Work
The color most people are afraid of? Pink! What does it mean to most? Girls. Barbies. Princesses. But it is a sophisticated color if done right. It will elevate any home with a rich and gorgeous texture if used properly. Keep it high powered, easy on the eyes, and light to the touch – then you’ve got a winning recipe. Here’s how to make pink work in your home!
It’s unexpected but seems essential to this daybed.
Mix it with aqua and white to create a chic vibe.
We’ve all got a pink bag (especially if you leave coastal-ly) use it to accessorize!
Mix it in an earthy way. Then it is more natural!
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Tiny Living: A Refined Tropical Townhouse
It’s hard to imagine life before “tiny living” exploded as a trend. I understand tiny living because I was a Manhattanite for over 10 years. What does that mean? Don’t own stuff, don’t store stuff, and don’t collect stuff. The more rudimentary your belongings the better. But my client, a Manhattanite, was building a quiet tropical getaway. A place where he and his family can escape the crazy city life. It’s tiny, yes, but it’s mighty. Take a tour: I’m loving the results.
Thank you Jessica Glynn for you talents behind the camera!
Tiny but stylish! A home rich in varied wood finishes.
Design by Krista Watterworth AltermanA tiny bathroom can pack a style punch!
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Little sitting areas give homeowners an escape from the chaos.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Light fixtures that hug the ceiling are a must in low profile rooms.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Kids also crave a sanctuary for play and rest.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Little readings respites are ideal!
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Style with a capital “S” remains key to a tiny home.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
The devil is in the details.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Patio Update
Meaningful events in Florida- or any warm climate – almost always happen outside. And even for my Northeasterners, summer is really when the fun goes down. Here’s a patio update that will leave you swooning for an outdoor party. Take heed: you must spend money to get the ideal backyard oasis!
Blah! It’s a boring and dated outdoor space.
BEFORE THE TRANSFORMATION
But we added style and pizzazz with a new exterior paint color, lighting, furniture and a fresh vibe.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Open and light entertainment seating in a lounge atmosphere is just what the summer vibe calls for.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Separate areas for eating and relaxing are necessary. Shading and open sunlight are important factors.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Kitchen Islands Done Right
Where were we before the kitchen island existed? It’s almost like life before the iPhone. The breakfast island is the new eat-in kitchen. New big counter spaces with tons of seating is where it’s at. So how do we do it right? Follow these tips:
1 – Use seating that’s streamlined yet still comfortable ie. saddle stools
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
2 – If a table doesn’t exist then upholster your stools and keep it cozy.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
3- Even streamlined seating can provide functionality! Maximize your results with comfortable quantity.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
4- Even coastal can be comfy! So wood stools are a must… it’s still a perching spot for entertaining and casual conversation.
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Madeline’s Rouse & Rest Space Reveal
Madeline and her family recently bought a piece of land and built a new house on it in Palm Beach Gardens. They moved from Ohio, and at 8 years old she was a little stressed about her new life, as you may imagine. I wanted her bedroom and play space to be the perfect environment to allow for rousing and resting of epic proportions. I wanted her to feel excited about her new adventure and I think we achieved that. Here’s Madeline’s rouse and rest space reveal!
The lightest of aqua and blush pink for a deliciously chic appeal and touches of gold and brass give it class (that rhymes!)
Design By Krista Watterworth Alterman
Mixing velvet, cotton, linen and faux fur for lots of layering and a rich feel.
The play space is topped with crystal glamour and sprinkled with earthy elements and bright, youthful pep.
Media Centers with Style & Class
If there is one thing I love is watching TV! And my husband is in technology so we are both media hounds. The biggest issue with the family room, the most utilized room in the house, is making it pretty and functional. Hiding wires is a priority! Below are some of my favorite TV rooms that I’ve designed recently.
Custom, floating walnut cabinetry is a warm yet modern touch. Plenty of storage and no equipment showing.
Clean and modern keeps it simple and easy on the eyes. This is store bought cabinetry that we decided to float on the walls.
I love the way this media center is tucked into a nook. We jazzed it up with a natural wallpaper and beautiful marble top. Sans hardware keeps the look chic.
Or NO media center is super fab. a fireplace, T.V., and cool three dimensional tile to feature the wall. Sometimes simple is best.
Creating A Statement Entry
First impressions are lasting impressions. They say people size you up within the first 8 seconds. Your entryway needs to be judgment proof! I love symmetry, something green, a beautiful and natural environment. That’s how you create a statement entry to your home.
This home below was a brand new construction. But we wanted to make it stand out with mature trees and a grand driveway entrance. The simple gray and white color palette allows for all the greenery to take center stage
Below, this is a picture of MY home! I love the stacked stone and all the gorgeous symmetry everywhere. It makes me happy and I feel balanced when I see it every day. It’s my happy place:)
In the entry below, we removed quite a bit of the crawling vines – it was overgrown. Just enough gives is a rich, lush vibe. A new door, squared off entry and natural stone cladding the walls is a perfect and delicious combination.
This home below, on the water, was dark and uninviting. With a fresh coat of paint and some cleaned up greenery, the result was amazing.
Simplicity comes in the form of paired down and beautiful. All it takes is a cool sconce, modern house numbers, and a sculptural planting – that’s it!
Evelyn’s Modern Country Home Reveal
A country house in Wellington Florida! My friend Evelyn wanted a modern country home that was stylish yet cozy. We did some really cool things in this renovation to accommodate her requests.
Special thanks to Jessica Glynn and her amazing photography.
First the kitchen had to be a beautiful, functional space. The only thing remaining from the original is the stove!! Check out the Before and Afters below. It’s a fun exploration!
BEFORE
Design By Krista Watterworth Alterman
The master bedroom left us all feeling a little blue. So we gave it a full face lift including a fireplace and custom bed!
BEFORE
Design By Krista Watterworth Alterman
The outdoor space had a magnificent view of a tropical preserved. Private and stunning. It needed some updating. With the help of rock star landscape architect Krent Wieland, we made it happen.
BEFORE
Design By Krista Watterworth Alterman
The kids’ rooms underwent a big renovation. And we added a custom loft bed that is spectacular!
BEFORE
Design By Krista Watterworth Alterman
A Fun Kids’ Wing Reveal
I call it ” a kids’ wing” but it’s really an upstairs with two bedrooms, a play room, and a study space. It was a fun project to use lots of creativity and let my inner child take over. I LOVE doing youthful spaces, it’s kind of my favorite type of design. Mostly because anything is possible, and I can take chances that, usually, pay off:) This was for two young boys (9 and 6 years old) and their uber cool parents gave me free reign. We did some cost saving but stylish designing. Color and pattern take part. The kids had a say in the colors they wanted in their rooms. From there, I used their favorite toys and books to feed their styled spaces.
A Perfectly Classic Kitchen
What does ‘classic’ really mean? The dictionary says “simple, elegant, and long-lasting style.” That’s a nutshell definition. Some say design classic is “industrially manufactured” with “timeless aesthetic value; and it serves as a standard of its kind and remains up to date regardless of the year of its design.” I am a Connecticut girl so classic, timeless elegance is my jam. I add a little bit of it to everything I do. So what makes this kitchen in particular classic, well here ya go – a list for elements that make a perfectly classic kitchen:
- Black and white marble mosaic tile backsplash
- White shaker cabinetry
- Wood parquet flooring
- Marble and soapstone counters
- Millwork details including crown molding
- Bead board millwork on island
- Glass front china doors
- Etched “pantry” door
- Schoolhouse pendants with Edison bulbs
- Mix of black and white cabinetry finish
Chef grade appliances add to the “vintage” appeal.
Stacy’s Master Bedroom Update
The master bedroom… a retreat for weary souls. It should be fresh, inviting and – mostly – calm. Stacy and her hubby wanted a full update so we did everything from ceiling millwork to custom drapery to bright linen bed, new wood flooring, and a cozy overstuffed chair. The tufting, cotton, linen and wood make it all a perfect balance for a master bedroom getaway.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
You can see from the BEFORE that this room needed help and love.
BEFORE
BEFORE
If you want this vibe, here’s how!
Art; Bed; Lamps; High Dresser; Buddha; Bedding; Heart Pillow; Pouf; Bench; Drapery; Jute Area Rug; Black Nightstand; Coral accent; Red Throw; Red pillow;
Aiden’s Condo Reno Reveal
It was “dated and hated” as my friend Rob “Vanilla Ice” likes to say. This condo needed a new life! We did it all, and what made the biggest impact you might ask? Taking down walls, which isn’t always easy to do in a condominium building. There are lots of rules and structural boundaries to contend with. But we knocked it out (no pun intended) and the end result is fab. I love when things go as planned. Take a look at the “before and after” of Aiden’s condo in Jupiter, Florida. It’s pretty drastic.
MASTER BEDROOM BEFORE
MASTER BEDROOM BEFORE
MASTER BATHROOM BEFORE
