Ikea Hack: Malm Dresser
Who doesn’t love a great IKEA hack? I am especially proud of this one I did for my daughter’s room..it was so easy. All I did was swap out the hardware and it completely transformed the piece. Loving the gold fixtures.
Start with a Malm dresser from IKEA….pretty boring, right?
Purchase some gold fixtures. These are actually available at Home Depot! Part of the Martha Stewart line.
Drill some holes and screw in the new hardware.
A new dresser that is modern and fresh!
Closet Porn
Ah, January…a time when we dream of organized pantries and closets! I always think if I just had my dream closet, I would have no problem keeping things organized. A big, customized closet is a true luxury. I especially love the ones that are modern, more like a dressing room than a closet. And we all fantasize about a closet just for shoes a la Carrie in Sex In The City, right?! Hope you enjoy my round-up of some true closet porn…
Photo courtesy of decorfacil
Photo courtesy of stylizimo
Photo courtesy of The Paper Mulberry
Photo coutesy of Pink Peonies
Photo courtesy of Places In The Home
Palm Beach Post Chrismukkah Photo Shoot
I thought it would be fun to give you a little peek behind the scenes of a recent photo shoot at my home with my husband and kids.
Last Minute Holiday Decor
I was way behind on my decorating this year. And I killed our first Christmas tree (yes that’s real), we have since bought another one and I’ve yet to decorate it. These are some tips for last minute holiday decor.
So I collected my coupons, researched sales, and took a trip to Home Goods, Tuesday Morning and Michaels. Voila! I was able to embellish a sale wreath and fill most surfaces in my home with holiday decor for under $900! I even decorated my stair banister.
Embellish a Store Bought Wreath
All I did here was add some faux greenery to beef it up and burlap bow. Done!
Banister Decor
I can’t do the everyday greens on the banister. I took a styrofoam wreath, wrapped it in burlap, then added a bunch of faux florals, a little glitz, and hung it on the stairway. I also had a bunch of silk magnolias around and added them to some bows. It came out beautiful, if I do say so myself.
Spruce Up Your Tree
I like a nice, full tree so I bought some greens at Michael’s and filled in the holes. It really works!
Surface Accessorizing
I added some vases filled with yard clippings (magnolia leaves in keeping with my theme), bought some cute Christmas and Hanukkah decor (we celebrate both) and just had some fun. Using framed family photos as part of your montages is a great way to keep it personal.
Mantel Decor
You can see I used a lot of white as a backdrop for the entire room. More yard clippings and it is a pretty, modern yet warmly styled mantel.
Gift Guide 101: For The HGTV Lover
Is your wife, friend, sister, aunt, etc. in love with HGTV? Specifically, HGTV Magazine? I am (of course, I used to be on the channel and I’m still obsessed). I decided it would be a fun gift guide to direct gift givers toward treats that the HGTV lover would appreciated. These items are colorful, happy, and unique. A gift from this guide will make any home-obsessed individual swoon.
SHOP:
Ampersand Paperweight // Agate Box // Geometric Nesting Trays //
Lilly Pulitzer Pillow // Wall Phone // Marble Table Lamp //
Gold Trimmed Place Setting // Framed Wall Art // Monogrammed Mug //
Turkish Throw // Flamingo Candle // Round Bar Cart
Gift Guide 101: For The Little Designer
So, yeah, I put together a gift guide that is perfect for my own kids. Sorry! I’m very selfish with my blog topics. Usually they directly relate to something I need help with and I can’t find personal time to do. That’s when I decide to use work time and wrap it (no pun intended) into a fun, tip oriented treat for y’all!
Honestly, I look for toys that will take my kids time to do, play or create. Yes many of these are crafty but they are cool-crafty. Something the rad auntie may supply under the tree or on the first night of Hanukkah. Decorating punk rock headphones, designing your own marble maze, and let’s not forget the hours and hours of Simon we all played as a kid! These are gifts for the little designer or architect. They spawn creative discoveries, help open the mind and see the world in a more three dimensional way. Not to mention, every little designer or architect needs a good sense of style and fashion (hence the Chuck Taylors).
My personal favorite here is building your very own model of a modern home. Plus I’m OBSESSED with Happy Socks (I bought them for the entire family). And I know my son would LOVE the plasma reactor. Give them a cool tent to make it all happen (if I have to build one more blanket tent…ugh) –um, yes, voila! Instagram worthy fun right in your very own home.
SHOP:
Design Your Own Maze // Chuck Taylor High Tops // Chuck Taylor Metallic
Headphones // Modern House Kit // Simon // Instant Camera
Gift Guide 101: If You Love Her
Who doesn’t love diamonds, faux blush fur and expensive shoes? Sparkly purses and bracelets that say loving words? Sexy lingerie (that I’ll actually wear) and other uber cool, girly, rock star gifts??? All the ladies I know, crunchy, chic, fun, understated — there is something here for you. Gentlemen, get out your wallets, investigate shoe sizes and get to shopping!
Hint: If my man bought me lip gloss, I would kiss him all over:) And most of these gifts come with beautiful packaging!
SHOP:
Juicy Lip Oil // Charm Necklace // Cuff Bracelets
Noise Cancelling Headphones // Pointy Toe Pumps // Lip + Cheek Tint
Diamond Bangle // La Boheme Leather Watch
Place Settings 6 Ways
Do you like to play with all your dishes and glassware? I’m obsessed with trying new place settings with whatever I have laying around the house (including a little champagne and some yard clippings). I have lots of fabric remnants and sometimes they provide that tiny bit of inspiration I need to create something unique. Below are a few cool place settings in six different variations. I mix brass with nickel, glass with china with herbs from my yard and….yes… champagne or wine (red + white). Don’t think that just because a holiday is traditionally a certain color palette that you have to follow those rules. Think outside the box and go pink during the winter months or red during the summer months. Defy tradition!
- Think Pink: Pink and lime are fresh and new. No reason to have a holiday that follows a norm. Be whimsical and fun. Surprise your guests!
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
2. French Blue: Natural cotton with light and navy blue accents create a chic yet french country vibe.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
3. Rustic Aqua: Chose a fun fabric backdrop that has some depth and pattern. Mixing golden browns with aqua are upscale and current.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
4. Preppy Stripe: A black or navy with white stripe creates a sophisticated yet fun table setting. Mix it with blush pink and shiny metals – that makes for an uber stylized result.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
5. Earthy Fuscia: Mix natural linen with vibrant pinks and purples for an energetic yet earthy feel.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
6. Linen Sunshine: A natural base with bright sunshine yellow creates a happy look. Add some beachy accents (especially during the winter) to remind guests that a fun attitude is at their finger tips.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Gift Guide 101: Men
When I give my man something for a gift, I want fist bumps and cheers. I don’t want a half smile and a meek “thanks”. I call this gift guide Primal Provisions for the Man in Your Life. I buy my husband items that will look great if he leaves them out on the counter or a shelf. It’s a strategic interior designer move.
The Manly Food cookbook is awesome with everything from smoked meats to hangover cures. Every man needs some copper mugs for his Moscow Mules! A hatchet bottle opener is a super cool item. The leather covered Polaroid is for the throwback enthusiast. Pirate beer mugs, Vegas marble coasters, beef jerky – what man wouldn’t love hoot and chest bump for all these primal provisions? Shaving, whiskey and chess, oh my!
Happy shopping!
SHOP:
Manly Cookbook // Instant Mini Camera // Copper Mugs //
Stainless Flask // Whiskey Glasses // Axe Bottle Opener
Blend Notebook // Marble Coasters // Whiskey Decanter // Shave Set
Chess Set // Bluetooth Speaker
Ice Bucket // Beer Mugs // Krave Jerky
My Laundry Room Tour
I just installed a new backsplash “Tempted” from my line of tile, Eighty By Krista and I love how it looks. I also had some leftover cabinetry from a job so I used that and just added to it. Plus I saved some money on a remnant piece of quartz for the counters. And I had a bunch of leftover cabinet pulls – who doesn’t love free hardware!
I love to do laundry in this room now. I also love the cream simple shaker cabinet with the white + gray mosaic and white counters. It’s warmer than an all white laundry room and that makes me happy. The window in my backsplash gives me a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and it also makes a small room feel larger. Would love to know your thoughts!
Tempted Mosaic by Krista Watterworth Alterman & Tile Bar
Tempted Mosaic by Krista Watterworth Alterman & Tile Bar
Tempted Mosaic by Krista Watterworth Alterman & Tile Bar
Tempted Mosaic by Krista Watterworth Alterman & Tile Bar
Tempted Mosaic by Krista Watterworth Alterman & Tile Bar
Gift Guide 101: Hostess With The Mostess
Welcome to my Gift Guide 2016! Giving gifts during the holiday season can be stressful. I always refer to the advice of the experts. And if you would like some tips from me on the best gifts to give the Hostess with the Mostess then welcome to the ride. Some of my favorite uber cool, interesting “home” items that will make the hostess of any party swoon are just below.
I love getting cool coasters and fun salt and pepper shakers. Also small trays or linen napkins are something I will always use. A new cookbook or cutting board are always useful and make me smile. So get to shopping and good luck!
Shhh….My favorite hostess gift in this collection is the python journal!
Agate Coasters // Stripe Dish Towel // Carina Serving Dish
Mohawk S + P // Valuspa Candle // Moscow Mule Mug
Marble Coasters // Cocktail Napkins
Rock Bottle Stopper // Thug Kitchen // Bar Tool Set
Copper Ice Bucket // Shot Glasses // Cutting Board
Champagne Flutes // Crystal Decanter // Python Journal
My Office Tour
I love my job and it was very important to me to create a space that evoked a feeling of calm, with a clean and chic design that reflects my brand. We didn’t want to over-spend on the space but we wanted it to feel uber cool –just like us! It’s also a small space for four full time ladies – the white and gray color palette make it feel more open. We used Quartzite counters, my very own mosaic line of tile hangs on the backsplash. It’s a workspace that is inspiring and fun. Storage was key – I like to work in a clutter free space. And we have an extensive fabric and materials library. Wallpaper books, wood flooring, samples of countertops, wood cabinetry and carpet are all hidden away. When i walk in every day I say AHHHH!
In the kitchen, we installed a backsplash from my line of tile Eighty by Krista.
The tile was inspired by the 1980’s. This design is called Patience.
This is my personal space, where the design magic happens.
Team meetings and client presentations happen in the conference room below.
A Red & Turquoise Holiday Mix
I love the holidays! We celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah in our home – since we have a blended family. For me it’s a blast, and our kids love it too. Red is a super festive color but mixed with turquoise it’s an updated look.
- Elaine Smith Solid Red
- Perennials Swizzle In Geranium Red
- Perennials Ticking Stripe In Geranium Red
- Stark Fabric In Holly Navigate
- Chang Trellis In Turquoise
- Osborne & Little In Eden Ocelot
- Osborne & Little Croisette Vence
I love the crisp white mixed with bright colors at Christmas time. It’s happy and alive. Other colors with turquoise like aqua and lime are also festive and fresh.
Photo Courtesy of Centsationalgirl.com
Photo from Christmasdecorstyles187.blogspot.com
Even Tiffany’s changes their bow color on the holidays!
Photo Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
In our house we celebrate Hanukkah as well as Christmas. This year there will be aqua in my Hanukkah table!
Photo from The Stationary Studio
If we mix middle eastern flair with the traditional Christmas colors and some meaningful spiritual items then VOILA! We have the perfect mix of the holidays. It’s a table “for the people, by the people”. More inspiration below.
Photo from 79ideas.org
Photo from Exquisite-serenity.tumblr.com
Photo from Crate & Barrel
Photo from The Brides Cafe
7 Tips For A Chic Unique Table
Call me crazy but I want my holiday table to look like no other! I want it to be unique, different and not too obvious. Plus I want to use elements over and over, I don’t want all my home goods stuffed in bins in my garage retrieved once a year. I love place settings that aren’t too thematic. Leave the themes to the ones who do it best like Disney:) Here are a few tables I recently was inspired to set up and photograph. And these are my 7 Tips For A Chic Unique Table!
- Layering Patterns
If you have a rectangular table use a different runner, folded tablecloth or fabric laid in the opposite direction than a traditional runner. This will bring more color, pattern or repetition to your table. Place centerpieces in between if you like. Also you can mix and match fabrics, napkins, plate and glass colors. You’ll see in my photos below I did just that. See drawing below:
2. Snack Bowl
Give your entering guests a chance to snack and something that will lure them to the table. Even if they stand by their seat, drink their wine and nibble it gets everyone gathering around the table. I find guests usually come hungry, and a small snack that they cannot fill up on – like grapes or a bit of brie – will get them excited for more. And this gives you a chance to set the table, pour the wine ahead of time so you can nibble and chat when guests arrive. As the host, the more prep beforehand the better.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photos by Alissa Dragun
3. Herbal Accents
Use real herbs as an accent for each place setting. It smells delicious and gives the look a farm-to-table feeling. Even better if you provide an herb, like mint, that can be nibbled or placed into sparkling water.
4. Unexpected Colors
Thanksgiving is normally about the jewel tones – burgundy, gold, emerald – to me those colors are a bit dark. Mixing some earthier elements with a more vibrant color like turquoise or hot pink is unexpected and fun.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photos by Alissa Dragun
5. Mix Metals
I’ve mixed gold accented china with my silver flatware and goblet. It works! Plus it adds an eclectic touch to the mix.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photos by Alissa Dragun
6. Get Fruity
Use real fruit to decorate each plate. It could get nibbled or used later. Using faux filler is just something else you have to store in the garage!
7. Keep It Meaningful
Work gifted or meaningful items into your table. I use my mother-in-law’s silverware, my husband’s grandmother’s china, and gifted feather placements and wine glasses. People love to see their meaningful items on your table.
Good luck and remember to have fun at your own party!
Press Worthy-Aero Club
Picture this. You hop onto your private plane and fly directly to a private runway in your own, luxurious community in Palm Beach county. At Aero Club in Wellington, Florida, you can do just that. I recently designed a home there that was just featured in Wellington The Magazine. This coastal beauty with classic sensibilities is a perfect family home with lots of spaces for entertaining (and a runway!).
