Makeover Takeover: From Dated to Fresh Bohemian

Making over a home that feels outdated is one of my favorite challenges. Mostly because renovation love is required for a successful outcome – and I’m in love with the reveal! For this home it meant an infusion of what’s clearly stylish today: bright, white, open and cozy (with a touch of color and gypsy style). These homeowners are international travelers that decided to finally put down roots with their growing family. You can see we took out some heavy, dark details and gave it a wanderlust vibe (with plenty of sexy styling). There are some found items mixed with mid-century antiques and plenty of objects from their many travels. Enjoy!

BEFORE THE RENOVATION

AFTER THE RENOVATION

It’s obvious this master bedroom had seen better days. It’s all mismatched — even the artwork stands out to a detriment. It doesn’t match or coordinate with anything in the room.

BEFORE THE RENOVATION

In the master bedroom, we dialed up the clean, clear energy with snow white walls and lots of character. It feels fresh and new without a full gut job.

The dining room was a small space and it felt closed off. Our homeowners weren’t the formal dining type. So we made this into a gorgeous office with lots of space to create, invent and inspire.

Now the old dining room is an office that is inviting for all visitors. Even the kids can hang and read or play while mommy and daddy work. We kept some ceiling details and original millwork because it gave each space extra character.

A surprise happened in the middle of the project: new baby on the way! So the old office became a nursery for the new addition. I had lots of fun with this space!

How to Create a Home Bar or Lounge

These days with artisanal beers, wines, scotch and kombucha – the home bar or lounge has become a popular design trend. I am always looking for fun nooks or unused spaces to create a room or built-in that has lounge-y appeal. So the question is: how do you create a home bar or lounge? There aren’t any rules. You need some type of imbibing ingredient – it doesn’t have to be alcoholic in nature. Juice bars are all the rage – why not create that in your very own abode!

Interior Design + Styling by Krista Watterworth | Photo by Jessica Glynn

First key element: seating! I like to give the bartender a seat! Here I added a leather pouf, an antique stool, and club chairs. So when drinks are being created there is room for lots of friendly conversation.

Interior Design + Styling by Krista Watterworth | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Second key: lots of glassware! It sparkles and provides a nice styling accessory. So it’s useful and pretty. If you can add a wine or beverage fridge, that is a fab addition.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Third key feature: storage! I like to do glass shelving. In a small space, the look of items floating is a cool element. We snuck this bar into a staircase. It was pretty rad. And we added an ice machine! It was easy to do because the refrigerator is on the other side of the wall so already had a water line available.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Countertop space is another key element. It adds useful surface area but gives you another design layer of fun. Countertops in a home bar or lounge can be more dramatic or fun. The space lends itself to taking risks.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Using reflective surfaces such as mirrors are a fabulous addition to any home bar or lounge space. It gives the space a deeper sense of space. But a gorgeous backsplash is also another way to add drama. And don’t forget the martini table!

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Mid-Modern Bedroom Reveal

Gold, gray and glam: oh my! A bedroom must feel sensual, clean, cozy and intrinsically individual. This space is a pure reflection of the inhabitants. They are cool, contemporary and chic. There is a wonderful mix of rich mid-century profiles with a load of tactile finishes. A high pile carpet, velvet bed, python bench, and heavy weave settee. It was a fun project to be involved in and super creative. I loved the desire for gold and brass finishes as well as a daring sensibility for surprises (ie. the Madonna artwork!)

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth | Photo by Jessica Glynn

SHOP:

Heritage Linens | Cameron Linens | Grandstand Pillow

Howard Elliot Pillow | Embroidered Pillow | Vesper Throw |

Li ttle Prince Foil Artt | Pieces Foil Art

Cowhide Rug | Brass Floor Lamp | Steel Floor Lamp | Tripod Floor Lamp

Moussa Sofa | Rosencrans Sofa

Upholstered Bed | Lacquer Desk | Madonna

Find Your Vibe: Classic Contemporary

So… I have something against the word “transitional”. It feels non-committal to me. Being in transition doesn’t sit well because it often comes with some uncomfortable moments. I like finding a vibe of classic yet contemporary. These are definable words. When I say classic, you say rooted in tradition. When I say contemporary, you say today’s vibe. How do you create this energy in your house? Good question. All design is deep within our souls, it’s organic somewhere. It just takes something, someone (sometimes!) to bring your decorating style to the surface.

Below in this eat-in kitchen, it’s cool, bright, contemporary fabrics, lighting yet warm with the wood tones and handmade glass table base reminiscent of a Red Oak.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Lighting often defines a space, especially statements pieces like this. I love the more classic ceiling detail with this contemporary fixture. The soft fabrics and the stark white walls create a cool vibe.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Modern art takes on many forms. This piece was part of my client’s collection of very diverse artifacts, paintings and photography. The home as a clean backdrop creates a gallery feel for their collection.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Create the Vibe: Mid Century Rustic

The world today loves a mid century vibe. Add a little rustic to the mix and you’ve got an on-trend styled space. Most importantly is the color palette and the profiles of all furnishings. Not to mention walnut: yes I said it, walnut in abundance. This space was reinvented – a clean slate that is open, invites in the outdoors and feels balanced as well as comfy.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

An Eames chair says mid century like no other iconic furnishing. The light fixtures are large and round, positioned organically among lots of angular pieces.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth | Photo by Jessica Glynn

People love their stuff. My client was not willing to part with this rustic six foot dish. Yes it was six feet around! It looked as if it were floating in the ethereal whiteness of this dining room.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Clean modern artwork sets a tone. Believe or not you enter this home through this dining room. It was an odd layout so we needed wow-factor instantaneously. The homeowners loved this live edge slab table, I made it work against the otherwise contemporary vibe. So take chances! Mid century rustic is waiting for you!

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Makeover: A Modern Kitchen Redo

This is a home that needed some modern love. The kitchen slash great room had a painfully dark vibe. I met with my cabinetry maker and we invented a new plan – fully custom dark cabinetry against an otherwise white backdrop. It meant a lot of long hours in his shop. This kitchen needed to grow, expand and become a useful space for a couple that loved to entertain!

Before!

After! Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photos by Jessica Glynn

We grew this space two fold. And my clients LOVED the result (thank God~) It was open, warm, contemporary and inviting.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photo by Jessica Glynn

That’s me! Photo by Jessica Glynn

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Modern Backyard Makeover

Is this a usable backyard with a beautiful view? Yes! Does is say: hi! I’m stylish, chic and fun, come play! No. So I worked some magic and gave it a serious refresh. It’s a true modern backyard makeover. The pool, pavers, and landscaping hit new highs under the team’s inspiring plan. Thanks to the amazing talents of Landscape Architect Krent Wieland!

BEFORE!

You can see with new stone and gorgeous plantings, this is now an oasis to hang, chill and entertain.

AFTER! Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photos by Jessica Glynn

How to Style Your Home: The Details

The devil is in the details. I painstakingly get ready for my photo shoots, and it’s often after at least a year on a project. Get a glimpse into my detail work as I walk you through this condo I recently finished in South Florida.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Warm wood cabinetry designed in my brain, put to paper and built by a talented artisan. Long, clean cabinet pulls. An awesome rough cut stone mosaic. And lots of little “moments” to get ready in the morning for the day.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Seating everywhere is my mantra. Little tiny chairs, large cushy sofas, whatever it is it’s should be part of every room. Baskets bring a warmth to any space, and a worldly feel. Stripes are casual yet refined.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Kids rooms are my favorite. Maybe it’s because I’m a mommy. But every kids room is a romp of fun-ness (making up words). Details are in found items, meaningful items and newly acquired elements. The mix keeps it alive!

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Pillows, throws, books, games, plants — more please!

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

How to Transform a Space with Art

Art can set a tone within just a few seconds. Make it count! Art should be impactful, interesting and in the very least – spark conversation.

Black and white or any contrasting color scheme makes art stand out. Below this art sets a modern tone. And it plays perfectly off of the balanced mid century vibe.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

I can’t help but love portraits of rock stars and pop icons. Especially photos that are less iconic and more intimate. Madonna, my goddess. Here she creates a certain sexy vibe for a master bedroom with her message “give me all your luvin”.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Artwork for kids rooms should be unique and fun. It doesn’t always have to be colorful but it helps if it is. And the subject matter should be unique instead of overly thematic. And if you have a child that loves a certain movie or show, find art on various sites like Etsy that is thematic but more “one of a kind”.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Photography is my jam. This is Tina Turner, I love that you can’t tell until someone tells you. That’s mysterious and fun.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

A MOD-iterranean Makeover

Can you say faux painting everywhere ten times fast? This home had it on every surface. Faux painting artists were very well employed in South Florida in the 1990s. I remove a lot of it from my clients’ walls, light switches, ceilings, floors, base board, crown molding, tile, etc etc. It’s like a bad disease that you just can’t shake.

So I made this home uber cool and contemporary with a wave of my design wand. Well, it took about eight months but we finally got there! Renovation takes on a life of it’s own. There’s lots of moving parts. But this was fun one.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman

So yeah, it wasn’t that cool. But we bought a “fab factor” to the outdated mess. Below are the BEFORE pictures. Have fun analyzing the transformation. It is MOD-itterranean!

BEFORE!

Make Your Shelves Magazine Worthy

It’s no secret, I’m a fan of shelves. I am feeling a little shell-fish right now (or, always!) The most important tip for accessorizing your shelves, to make them magazine worthy they have to be well thought out. And the most important rule for magazine worthy shelves: LESS is more!

Below in this lounge I created from a small and less functional dining room, I decided a glittering, clear glass “theme” was in order. This is an adult space so glass is approved! Crystal has a beautiful clarity that feels floaty and ethereal. Don’t plan too much! Just go with your gut.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Dig, dig and dig some more. Look through your stuff to create kid-approved shelf accessories. Kids have tons of stuff, so it’s not that hard. You’ll be surprised at the cool stuff they own (that you paid for!) and that is shelf worthy.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Offices: the place where people make most mistakes. Keep only items that inspire you and books that you either love or that provide ongoing insight. Accessories should express your personality.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

A built in bar, big or small, should have items that are useful. Keep glassware stacked high for entertaining. And when you have parties, have a hot, wet towel close by to clean glasses before serving. A great tip is to store glasses upside down so dust collects only on the exterior.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Create Instant Curb Love

Trees, plants and lighting – OH MY! Yes, it’s uber important that your home is well maintained. Green and lush are the name of the game in South Florida. We have no excuse! We must keep up with well manicured landscaping. Our climate inspires growth. It is our obligation as homeowners in a warm environment to keep up with the pace.

Curb love is created with just that: Love! You must have a respect for your home. It’s almost like having an organized pantry or a clean car. This is where people judge us the most. If our curb appeal is unchained, neighbors and friends begin to gossip. Who really cares about that! But it is a good incentive to “keep it real” and have a welcoming exterior.

Trees that frame an entry are key if possible. Posts with lighting have an upscale vibe. Lighting – everywhere and anywhere – is very important.

So have fun manicuring your topiaries!

Photo by Jessica Glynn

Accessorize Your Entry

What are the most important elements to a beautiful yet functional entryway? That’s a question I get asked a lot. Well, the answer is two fold. Storage and bling. A simple answer, true, so let me explain. Storage can be way of traditional cabinetry, console table, etc etc. Or! The fun storage solution is baskets, bags and other “out of the box” ideas to store shoes, keys, magazines/mail, etc.

Sculptural details?? Check. Must have, in abundance. This could be in a vintage form or newly built in.

The console below was fully formed in my brain and executed by a master craftsman. The brushed, organic finish was an afterthought but uber cool.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

A bit of greenery is always a good choice anywhere in the home. At the entry is says: hi! welcome! I love nature! My modern hippy heart fully embraces the green: anywhere and everywhere.

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Ah, yes, lighting. It is a great way to add a touch of flavor and layers of light to any entry. This clean look with the vintage console and modern elements create a fresh yet throwback Hollywood vibe. Add a vintage sculpture and a few Gucci bags/shoes and Voila! Fabulous entry vibes!

Interior Design by Krista Watterworth | Photo by Jessica Glynn

Valentine Gift Guide: For the Crimson Lover

Yes, it’s true. Some people LOVE the color of love: crimson. Red is a rich, authentic celebration of Valentine’s Day. I do love it’s depth and sophistication. A little touch of crimson in your home – especially if you’re a lover of the color – is all you need. Too much red, for me, makes me a little crazy. But the passion it evokes is undeniable. SO…. here are some great ideas for the crimson lover in your life. Happy Valentine’s Day to all color lovers! My favorite in this montage: the Python place mats!

SHOP:

Dutch Oven // Apple Paperweight // Wall Phone

Abstract Rug // Lucite Pill // Tic Tac Toe // Hot Lips Sculpture

Python Placemat // Acrylic Tumbler // Pizza Book

Deco Candle //Cake Plate // Heart Dessert Tray

Creating Equestrian Chic

With Wellington close by, I have had some pretty cool clients and I’ve designed some fun equestrian style homes. Ralph Lauren has certainly conquered this sensibility and continues to keep it popular. Shows like HGTV’s Fixer Upper also capture this lifestyle and look. Below is a kitchen I designed with some classic farm style features like parquet floors, marble black and white tile, a “Pantry” door and of course classic cabinetry.

Parquet floors, Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photos by Jessica Glynn

The question becomes: how do I create a horse country chic themed room? Here’s a few style tips on how master equestrian décor. Horse artwork? A little obvious, but below I create a modern equestrian style.

One of my favorite shops for authentic farm sophisticate home goods is King Ranch Saddle Shop. Below are some equestrian items that you can find there to create the farm-found look.

Rustic barn wood, leather stools, and antlers are all right up the equestrian alley. So have fun and ride on!

SHOP:

Coffee Table Book // Antler Serving Set // Leather Coasters

Forest Console // Wall Hanging

Axis Deer Pillow // Devan Chair

Indigo Rug // Peacock Pillow // Salt + Pepper Shakers