How To Style A Bar Cart
Bar carts are the new hot thing. An old fashioned idea redefined. I LOVE them! Of course, I love to celebrate and libate so it goes without saying that a bar cart is right up my alley. It’s important that you not only have essentials on your bar cart like your favorite liquors, but it’s also important that it looks pretty, of course. Below you will see some of my favorite bar cart accessories. Dress it beautifully and guests will swoon.
Photo Courtesy of Freshome
Photo courtesy of Dolce Vita blog
Champagne Croupe // Martini Glass // Stripe Dish Towel // Serving Dish //
Crystal Decanter // Moscow Mule Mug // Crystal Carafe // Whiskey Set //
Marble Coasters // Bar Cart // Cocktail Napkins // Tool Set
Bottle Stopper // Ice Bucket // Shot Glasses // Serving Board
Champagne Flutes // Table Lamp // Canister //
19 Cozy Throws For Fall
What is better than cuddling up for a good Netflix series with a glass of vino and a nice cozy throw blanket? My kids love having a little fluffy blanket on the couch to snuggle with, and so do I!
A throw is a way to add a touch of warmth, color or texture to any room. I use them in bedrooms, family rooms, sitting rooms – wherever I can. Honestly, for photo shoots it is a great way to break up a large amount of blank space on a long sofa or large chair.
You don’t want your blankets to feel like a polyester suit. They should be natural and warm not slippery or shiny. Colors subdued and fresh or neutral. It is a touch of functional elegance.
A few ideas for where to use throws are below, and I put together a montage of some of my favorite and most affordable throw blankets below.
Happy snuggles!
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman Photos by Jessica Glynn
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman Photo by Jessica Glynn
Design By Krista Watterworth Alterman
Fringe // Metallic Thread // Soft Brushed // Geometric //
A & B // Saro // Shag // Faux Fur //
Fleece Pom-Pom // Cadet Blue // Sandy // Pennsbury //
Jacquard // Stripe Plush // Bliss Plush // Taylor Stripe //
Cotton // Animal Print // Patricia //
Graham & Brown Paintable Wallpaper, Etc.
Wallpaper has been back in fashion for awhile now, and I love using it in my work – it can completely transform a room. There are so many amazing options available. Graham & Brown is a great resource for wallpaper and I love their Superfresco Paintable collection. The textured wallpaper has been designed to cover lumps and bumps on walls so it works really well on difficult surfaces. You can leave them white or paint them any color you want to match your decor. It’s a great option if you are having a hard time choosing between paint and wallpaper.
Not only do they have paintable wallpaper, they also have removable wallpaper, digital murals, artwork and lots of other fun things. Pattern options are endless from modern to traditional – a great variety!
The collaboration with creatives such as Barbara Hulanicki (Biba@TopShop), Marcel Wanders (Mondrian South Beach) and Julien MacDonald (Next Top Model) creates awesome results. Bold, interesting and very unique designs.
Thanks to Graham & Brown for giving our blog enthusiasts a coupon! Click here and save:
BARK Wallpaper by Graham & Brown
Honolulu Palm Green Wallpaper By Graham & Brown
Union Brick Wall Mural by Graham & Brown
Crocodile Black Wallpaper by Graham & Brown
Photo Courtesy of Graham & Brown
Superfresco Paintable Wallpaper
I Heart Agate
Rock star design… literally! Minerals and semi precious stones add a natural element to any space and a touch of elegance. They also bring the outdoors in. I am loving all things rock because I Heart Agate!
All glimmering crystal and agate is super popular. It’s definitely a trend and adding sparkle to any room is a fab and luxe element. Bookends, displays, collectibles, artwork, wall murals – this list goes on! You see it in fashion and in home decor.
Some of my favorite agate and crystal items are below. Happy shopping!
Photo Courtesy of Tuo Sogno
Photo Courtesy of Anthropologie
This framed agate artwork from Pineapples, Palms is to die for!
I love these cute coasters from a local favorite, Marston Boutique in Jupiter, Florida. They also have lots of fab agate jewelry.
Agate Rug // Corkscrew // Wine Chiller // Wine Stopper //Mini Lamp //
Pyramid// Bookends // Abstract Print //
Chandelier // Table Lamp // Sculpture //
Mineral Specimen // Coasters // Framed Print
Candle Holder // Burst Chandelier
12 Beautiful & Affordable Wood-Look Tiles
Many of my clients have been requesting tile flooring that looks like wood and I love it! It’s perfect for Florida…cool on the feet but with the traditional look of a wood floor. Plus, it’s virtually waterproof! With the daily swimming at the beach and in pools, it’s important to have flooring that is durable, easy to clean – but mostly – looks nice. So the trend for wood tile has been a fabulous option.
Below is a list of my top 12 picks of the most beautiful and affordable wood-look tile. They are all under $9 a square foot!
This is a home I recently finished with wood look tile throughout the entire first floor. It was a big house so I chose a wood tile that was easy on the eyes. You can see that a more rustic looking floor can look great within a modern home.
A few tips when using wood tile:
- Use as small grout joint
- Use grout that is the same hue as tile
- Use a tile that has at least 6-8 variations
- Wider and longer look better in larger rooms
- Use something timeless not too trendy
- Varying wood-tile widths & lengths looks very cool
- A fun pattern such as herringbone looks better in smaller rooms
- River Oak // 2. Hexagon // 3. Country River Mist // 4. Capella Birch //
Savona Gris// 6. Hamptons Taupe // 7. Santa Monica Tico // 8. Dry Brush //
9. Knot White // 10. Barrique Chestnut // 11. Barrique White // 12. Country Hampton //
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How To Present A Rock Star Design
People are always asking how I present my designs. It’s a funny but interesting question. I’ve learned a great process that everyone seems to love (including my staff!) But I won’t lie, presentation day is a bit stressful.
The main reason? The culmination of weeks – sometimes months – of hard work is finally presented for client approval. The materials, finishes, tile, carpeting and hardware are all laid out on the table for my client to touch, feel – for oooo & ahhhh purposes. Then I have 3D hand drawings done for certain rooms that have extra special details (or computerized 3D renderings, but I’ve been loving the hand drawings lately). And the final element is a PowerPoint slideshow on our Studio’s big screen TV which will showcase furnishing, case good, and lighting profiles – as well as a fabric board for each room. This is all to get a resounding YES! from them (and hopefully a big check before they leave, so we can begin the ordering process:).
I finally found my way to present a rock star design. Each client gets – what I call – a Brand for their home and I give it a personal name. For example, my home would be “The Alterman Family Brand”. They are also given a hashtag that expresses their packaged style ie. #HollywoodMod or #TheBungalow.
We had a big presentation this week and I thought it would be fun to share the boards with you. This home is going to be amazing when I am done…stay tuned for the final results!
This is a young couple who loves blush pink, magenta, black, white – the use of classic materials in a whimsical way. They are a bit more daring – which is always fun for me!
Easy Modern Florals For Your Home
I have written before about adding greenery to a space and how much I love bringing a touch of the outdoors in. I am loving the trend of green being the main color and focus of floral arrangements in home design. Sometimes green is all you need..it’s pure and adds just the right amount of color. I love using tropical clippings from my yard to create a dramatic look. I also love the use of indigenous greens in a home, there is an authenticity to it. But wild flowers with an English flair are my second favorite (stay tuned in a separate post for the inspiring peony, hydrangea and English rose!) One of my most difficult tasks for my clients is creating floral arrangements that work in a modern setting. My rule of thumb: keep it simple, use architecturally interesting greens that can stand on their own.
Succulents are a very cool tabletop plant. And displaying a collection of greens is simple and easy. Keep all vases similar in a collection but varying in height and width. I love using ceramic pottery in light colors to display gorgeous greens or plants. Sometimes I like to see the stems in a clear container and sometimes I like to conceal them. All depends on my mood:)
Here is a roundup of some of my favorite examples of modern florals based in greens:
Courtesy of Home Decor Designs
via Afloral
via trendenser
5 Bathrooms, 5 Styles
Bathrooms are fun spaces to design. I encourage people to really make a statement and to make the room functional as well as chic and inviting. There are so many interesting and exotic materials to choose from for the walls, floors and countertops…take a risk! Lighting is also very important and its important to think about storage needs. Finally, the tub…the centerpiece of the bathroom, so make it amazing.
Below are five of my recent designs–all very different bathrooms but each one has a special place in my heart!
Masculine: Rivet wall paper, sewn oak cabinetry and an overall tailored look!
Master Bath by Krista Watterworth Design Studio
Classic: White marble, beige shaker cabinetry and an overall air of sophistication.
Master Bath by Krista Watterworth Design Studio
Zen: Grain cut marble in taupe hues and high end fixtures overlooking a quiet zen garden.
Master Bath by Krista Watterworth Design Studio
Mod: Floating walnut cabinetry, concrete-look counters, grey honed marble and a clean, contemporary vibe.
Master Bath by Krista Watterworth Design Studio
Coastal: Aqua hues, light grey shaker cabinetry and of course a freestanding tub overlooking the marina.
Master Bath by Krista Watterworth Design Studio
Palm Beach’s Historic Worth Avenue
I recently spent a day shopping on Worth Avenue and I was reminded how lucky I am to live in Palm Beach county and how much the area has to offer. The architecture on Worth is amazing and I love all of the fountains, alleyways and nooks. It is so romantic, even to just stroll around the area and sit in a cafe to people watch.
What’s most amazing about Palm Beach is that it’s a small beach town with high end appeal. It is notorious in that many celebrities have homes there, and the history is overwhelmingly interesting. In the 1800s Flagler built two luxury hotels, and lured all his friends here. The railroad and Worth Avenue helped to accommodate all their expensive needs and tastes. The Palm Beach Historical Society lays out the fun and interesting history and hosts some lovely events.
The endless alleyways and secret passages lead to beautiful courtyards and lovely resting points. The arches and lighting are all a nod to a different time. It is a lovely place to get lost in tropical Americana. 
I love the painted tiles that line the stairwells – many of which are often a surprise. They lead to intriguing places like private boutiques and condos overlooking beautiful gardens. Restaurants are tucked away into alcoves and even though they are casual the food is delicious and the ambience is upscale.
I love putting on my gold sandals and a flowing dress (can’t forget the Louis!) and strolling down Worth Avenue, talking to shop keepers and buying trinkets for friends and clients. It is a place to lose yourself in your surroundings. And I always discovery something new. I often have to pinch myself – I live right here, in paradise with inspiration in all directions!
Beaded Chandeliers That Transform A Room
These beaded light fixtures are so cool, pure jewelry for your home. Many of them are hand-beaded with wooden, glass, resin or shell beads. It is an explosion of popularity! They work in a modern setting, rustic or with classical styling. I love their organic swinging and swooping. It is divine to the eye! Large or small, beaded chandeliers are always a conversation piece.
Colors can vary – they can be bright or native. And no matter what, they create a finer detail that many dream about having in their homes.
You can find a homemade piece or one that is mass produced. Either way, it is a very cool detail. You can swag or double them. I am about to put two of them over a large 125″ dining table. It is a coastal feel that sets a tone.
Photo Courtesy of MyDomaine
I can’t believe they also work in an upscale modern home or a historically preserved environment. With vintage pieces or even mid-century modern!
Photo Courtesy of Eclectically Vintage
In a bedroom, dining room or living room. They work with gold or silver accents. It’s really a cool design feature.
Photo Courtesy of HonestlyWTF
Want to buy one of my favorites? See below!
Signature 12 // Cleo Frosted // Turn of the Century // Morocco Coco //
Veda Co // Eva Burnished // Hollywood Regency // Rissa Crystal //
Creative Co-op // Crystal Beads // Maxim 7 // Chappellet //
Amelia //Small Wood // Turquoise and Brass /
Edisto Glam // Black Onyx //
Home Office Love
In today’s world, so many people work from home. I started out there. I shared a home office with my husband, that was a true testament to our marriage. We both survived! Then we both agreed it was time for this birdy to fly the coop, so I opened my Studio in the Palm Beaches.
It’s important to create an office space that is pleasing, and one that is practical and optimized for productivity.
First consider the logistics: where will you store your files? Is your chair comfortable? What kind of lighting do you need? Next, consider the vibe that will be best suited for your type of work. Finally, make sure to add some objects that you adore to make a pleasing space that you enjoy spending time in each day.
This is a great space to go custom. I often use custom cabinetry and bookshelves in the home offices I design, like the ones below.
Home Office Design by Krista Watterworth
Home Office Design by Krista Watterworth
Home Office Design by Krista Watterworth
The Acapulco Chair
The Acapulco Chair has a laid-back sophistication and is super comfortable. This iconic chair is making a comeback…it first began popular in the 1950’s. There is an old legend that says it was created by a french traveller who used a woven hammock design to create an open-air chair that would capture the ocean breezes in Acapulco.
The style of this chair is definitely bohemian, which is currently trending.
Outdoor furniture can be very pricey, so this is a great option for those on a budget.
The chair has inspired dozens of other pieces like this chic outdoor loveseat.
Get the vibe:
10 Ways To Keep Your Home Organized
So, we are in the final stretch of summer (sigh) and this is the time of year that I start thinking about how I can stay organized for the school year. Juggling the things that kids need for school, sports and activities can be a challenge. Here are some of my best tips and strategies to keep things in order.
- Purge. I have heard two rules that stick with me…one is that if something new comes into your home, something should go out. I can’t say I adhere to this 100%, but I try! The other rule is that every month you could find 3-5 things in each room to throw away or donate. Try it, you might surprise yourself!
- Backpack/family command station. Even if you don’t have a fabulous mudroom, you can still create an organized area for the kids to put their shoes, backpacks, etc.
Image Credit: Remax Quebec
- 15 minutes. Commit to 15 minutes a day and set an alarm on your phone. Each day spend 15 minutes on something…the junk drawer, the medicine cabinet, kid’s drawers, etc.
- Dry Erase board. In our home, I use a weekly dry erase board and outline the big events for the week. Kids like to know whats coming up..and it even helps my husand to know which night I am going out with my girlfriends, when the kids have soccer practice, birthday parties, etc.
Photo courtesy of Hobby Lobby
- Homework caddy. Keep a little bin filled with sharpened pencils, erasers, crayons, glue sticks and a ruler. Keep it in a central location and pull it out at homework time. Trays are a great way to organize items on a coffee or side table (remotes, magazines, coasters, etc.)
- Hooks instead of shelves. Carefully placed hooks in your bathroom, closet and kid’s rooms can make all the difference.
- Labeling. It’s great to label items so you can easily find things. There are tons of options, like the cute chalkboard labels below or you can use a labelmaker. There are also tons of cute and free printable labels on Pinterest.
Image Credit: Mrs. Meyers
- Donate Regularly. Put a big plastic bin in each closet marked “donations”. Go through the closets regularly to find items that don’t fit or are not worn. When the bin is full, its off to Goodwill.
- One Year Rule. Go through your closet each quarter and be strict about what you get rid of. If it is not something you have worn in a year, out it goes!
- Tabletops Clear. Feng Shui rules say it is important to clear table tops on a regular basis. I agree! When we come home we tend to throw our keys, purse, etc. onto the closest table top and things accumulate quickly. Try to keep your table tops tidy and clear them periodically throughout the day.
An organized home will make your life feel more harmonious in all areas, it really works!
Building A Brand
As the owner of an interior design firm, one of my biggest goals has always been creating a strong brand. The brand of a company is it’s true personality. To define the brand there are many questions that need to be answered. Who is the audience that you are trying to reach? What is the style of the company? How do you speak to your audience and how does it match up with the products or services you provide? It’s important to get specific and build something that will resonate with people and become recognizable.
My company, Krista Watterworth Design Studio, has recently undergone a rebranding, and I am really happy with the results. It’s important that the new brand elements we developed carry through in everything, from the website to the social media to the materials we provide to our clients and the press. We developed brand boards as a guide. It was really a helpful exercise that I recommend to anyone with a business. Your board should include the logo, preferred fonts, colors and photography or iconic symbols that represent the brand.
Our team developed these brand boards to guide us through everything we do marketing-wise.
I created one brand board for my design firm, and a separate design board for my blog, Design Palm Beach. They have different personalities, but work together.
In addition, my awesome team and I just had a fun photo shoot. I wanted the photos to really reflect the spirit of our brand and the personalities of my team members. I think we were really able to achieve what I wanted!
I am the Creative Director of the firm and am surrounded by my amazing team! Bernadine Rowlands (Business Manager), Jennifer Ruyack (Marketing Director), Pam Hassler (Interior Design Director) and Sarah Eisenberg (Interior Design Assistant).
Krista Watterworth, Creative Director
Create An Upscale Hotel Living Room in Your Home
Recently my family took a somewhat relaxing (two youngsters in tow) staycation to one of our favorite local hotels, The Breakers on Palm Beach. It occurred to me while we were there that if I wanted to create the vibe of one of the most lavishly decorated hotels in the area, I could do that — for less! Why not? When a girl sets her mind to a Luis Vuitton on a Target budget… she will find a way (if she’s determined enough).
We stayed at the Flagler Club which is a hotel within the hotel at The Breakers. It’s all very confusing, but Florida residents can stay at local hotels at a discount during the off season. And voila! We had butler service on a budget. One of the main rooms in the Flagler was decorated in a chic and transitional style. It was the base camp for most of our activities since there was regular food and drinks available (as well as TVs, plug-ins for iPads and comfortable seating).
If you are inspired by this room like I was, here is how you can create an upscale hotel living room in your own home!
Shimmer Wallpaper // Table Lamps
Tribeca Sofa // Wyatt End Table