A while back, I met with a couple in Miami that wanted their home designed in the wabi-sabi style.   As I learned more about wabi-sabi, I became fascinated with it and realized that it is not just a design style, but a way of life. It celebrates the perfectly-imperfect…I think that describes humanity:)

Wabi-sabi is a japanese aesthetic about the beauty of imperfection.  It’s about finding appreciation and art in a bowl that is chipped, or some leather that is worn and soft.  What I love about wabi-sabi is the idea of authenticity.  My design style is based on finding beauty in authentic and functional pieces to create a harmonious space.  I definitely use a little wabi-sabi in some of my designs.   I love scaling back and finding beauty in simplicity.

As a design style, wabi-sabi is definitely minimalist.  Possessions and even furniture are scaled back to only what is essential, beautiful or nostalgic.  This concept is a great one to think about when trying to keep your home organized.   I’ve read that every time you buy something new, you should purge something from your home.   Another tip is to purge 5 things from each room every month.  It sounds hard, but I bet you can do it!

Another concept of wabi-sabi that I love is that it is a truly environmentally friendly way to live.  It’s all about recycling, re-purposing and simplifying.  And, a bonus…to live simply and mindfully will definitely reduce stress in your life!

Meditation Room by Krista Watterworth

What do you think about the concept of wabi-sabi?  I would love to hear how you apply these concepts to your own life and your home design.  Leave a comment below!

Welcome to About Last Night…a series dedicated to all places Palm Beach!  There are so many amazing restaurants in Palm Beach county, and my husband and I love trying new places for date night.

Last night we tried Lynora’s on Clematis. Food is pretty amazing. Simple Italian peasant food… close to what I grew up on. Strong drinks and a lively atmosphere.

The interiors need a bit more panache. Tufted booths with chrome nail heads… looks like a DIY project. The intent was there, to modernize with a comfy twist. Love the clear globe pendants and exposed brick. I could do without the small mirrors and vertical stripes. Seems like the wrong message – a mix of styles.

Can’t beat the food and the service was relatively decent. It was busy and fun!

What is your favorite restaurant on Clematis Street?

Have you heard of Houzz? It is an online community and a great resource for anyone who is looking for interior design ideas.   Houzz was one of the early social networks. It works similar to Pinterest, but was developed long before we started pinning.

There are over 7 million images of interiors, exteriors and gardens on Houzz. You can browse by room, style or location.   For example, if you are looking for ideas on how to renovate your bathroom, you can create an IdeaBook (folder) called “Bathrooms” and start adding images you like to that folder.

Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. Try it! Create an account and prepare to be inspired.  If you are working with an interior designer, it is also a great place to share ideas and save photos to help the designer get a sense of your stule.

There is also a section of Houzz dedicated to home improvement professionals. I am proud to be awarded “Best of Houzz” for the second year in a row. Check out my page here.   If you have worked with me and would like to leave a review, I would love it! Leave a review here.

How to Use Houzz

1. Create a login/account at houzz.com.
2. Start getting inspired by searching! Be specific. Instead of just typing “kitchens”, type “modern kitchens” or “coastal kitchens”
3. Build IdeaBooks. You can create IdeaBooks to segment rooms or projects.   For example, some ideabooks could be “Bathrooms”, “Playrooms” or “Outdoor Spaces”. When you find a photo you like, just add it to the appropriate IdeaBook.
4. Follow me to see my latest work!

Art is an important design element to consider when choosing decor for your home. Don’t neglect your walls! The right painting or photograph can transform your space.

In a neutral room, you can add a great pop of color with the right painting or photograph. Art can also inspire the entire design of the room. If you find a piece you love, start there…then choose the other design elements to complement the piece.

Art can really make a statement. A piece that is risque or controversial can generate conversation in a fun way. I love finding pieces for my clients that are a good match with their personality, but push the envelope a bit.

When hanging your artwork, scale and proportion are important. Many people tend to hang artwork too high, but a general rule of thumb is that the center of the art is at eye level. Scale the piece in relation to the rest of the room. Too much wall space around the artwork will diminish it’s impact. Avoid hanging art in odd spaces, like above a door jam.

I love photographic art.  My work is fashion influenced and I love fashion photography. Neon (electronic) art is also a big trend right now. You can take a phrase you love or a political statement and turn it into art. A recent client wanted a neon sign for her daughter’s room that spelled out “I love you more.” That was pretty special.

When I work with clients, I love shopping on Antique Row in downtown West Palm Beach. A few favorites are Modern Auctions and Objects in the Loft. Another option is to have a local artist create an original piece specifically for the room, as I did in the photo above.

For those on a budget, Z Gallerie has some great options. Also keep in mind that purchasing a lithograph is always better than a print.

Wallpaper is back, in a big way. I think its here to stay. The new wallpapers have amazing textures, patterns and colors. Here are some cool trends in paper for the walls:

Guest bedroom by Krista Watterworth

1. Neutrals. Some of the newest wallpapers look like paint. You can achieve a cool, textured look that does not look anything like paper.

2. Adding wallpaper to built-ins. I love using wallpaper on wall units. You can take a wood structure and instantly make it chic by adding paper with a fun pop of color.

3. Patterns today are definitely different from Grandma’s house. Think Chevron. Cool stripes and waffle textures.

Girl’s bedroom by Krista Watterworth

4. Designer. All of the hottest names in design are now creating their own line of paper. Kate Spade has her own line. There are many choices beyond the books at Home Depot.

Master bedroom by Krista Watterworth

5. Personalized. In our master bedroom, I had wallpaper customized with the lyrics from our wedding song.

6. Commercial Spaces. Wallpaper is not just for homes. I recently renovated my office with some fun papers and I am seeing the trend frequently in restaurants, boutiques and hotels.

7. Accent Walls. Love a great pattern that is too busy for an entire room? Try just doing one wall in the room. An accent wall will create a wow factor and make a big impact.

8. Metallic. We just did this in a guest bathroom…so chic.

9. Backsplash. Wallpaper can be a cost-effective alternative to a backsplash in your kitchen or bath.

10. Wall Clings. Not ready to commit to wallpaper? Try some fun designs on the wall with easily removable wall clings. Jonathan Adler created a fun line of these. I find them to be especially fun for kid’s spaces.

Guest bedroom by Krista Watterworth

5:30am: Alarm blasts!! Wake up my hubby Eric to catch his plane to NYC for a visit to his office. Work in my home office on design boards for up and coming presentation.

Design boards for client presentation

6:30 am: Wake up kids, prepare breakfast, lunches and get dressed.

7:30 am: Drop kids at school. Wave to Tiger Woods on the way out.

8:00 am: Time to sweat. P90x3 or a hard core blade around the lake.

8:30 am: Get ready for work!

9:00 am: Head to office. Monday Morning Rock Session where my team and I prepare for design domination!

My office in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

11:00 am: Meet with potential client in Wellington’s prestigious Equestrian Estates. Fingers crossed for a big budget!

12:00 pm: Stop at Hermes on Worth Avenue to pick up throw pillows for a client

1:00 pm: Lunch at the famous Nick & Johnnies on Palm Beach’s Royal Poinciana Way. Hoping we might spot Rod Stewart or Billy Joel.

2:00 pm: Client meeting at Kristy’s Palm Beach house to discuss cabinetry design.

3:00 pm: Stop at our upholstery shop to check on some recent drapery for a very discriminating client (the edging better be the perfect color orange or else!)

4:00 pm: Back to the office for end of day discussions

4:30pm: Home to start my second job as Mommy! Make dinner, have a glass of wine and play, play, play with my babies Griffon and Skylar until bedtime.

Skylar painting in a local art studio. Both of my kids love art!

7:30pm: Put kids to bed

8:00pm: Home office – clean up emails, put out fires, and get ready to watch my favorite TV shows while trying not to eat too much chocolate!

Selfie time!

I love designing bathrooms. I spent four seasons designing every type of bathroom you could think of on HGTV’s “Save My Bath” (almost 60 bathrooms in total!) I was the host of the show, so I was very involved in every aspect of the process. As a result, I’ve become a bit of an expert on water closets (affectionately known as Queen of the Latrine).

Master bath by Krista Watterworth Design Studio

Obviously, the most important design choice for bathrooms is tile. Floors, walls, backsplash and shower surrounds can be transformed with the right tile selections. I am tile-obsessed. My favorite go-to tile companies are Walker Zanger and Ann Sacks. I am also excited to share my own line of tile which is launching in 2016 by the Brooklyn based Tile Bar! It’s called Eighty By Krista, and it is inspired by the 1980’s. I am in the process of renovating my own home, and will be incorporating my line in the bathrooms and new kitchen.

One of the patterns from my “Eighty by Krista” tile line

Another place to make a design statement is the bathtub. An oversized soaking tub can transform your space to a luxurious oasis where you can relax after a long day. A steam shower is great for detoxing after a fun night out or post-workout.

Master bath by Krista Watterworth Design Studio

As a working mom today, I know the importance of a good spa day. Try to think of your bathroom as your own personal spa, and create a zen-like space. Choose calming colors for the walls and the best, fluffiest towels you can afford to build your own personal sanctuary (until the kids come knocking).

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a special event at The Design Center of America (DCOTA) in Dania Beach, Florida. It was a magical evening sponsored by furniture designer Janus et Cie to celebrate Clinton Smith, the Editor and Chief of Veranda magazine.

I attended the dinner with my Business Manager, Timm Dolley.    The evening was a gathering of movers and shakers from the south Florida design world, and we were honored to be included.  We even had premium seating right next to Clinton Smith!   The divine menu was prepared by the award-winning celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein.

Smith recently launched his book “Veranda: The Romance of Flowers”, which is currently #3 on Amazon’s bestseller list for Home & Design publications. The book illustrates how flowers have played a central role in the magazine’s history. It is a sophisticated collection of stunning photographs of interiors and flowers.

Special thanks to Janus et Cie for the invitation to our event. Below is a Janus et Cie patio I designed for Equestrian Club in Wellington, Florida.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! I love the idea of donning a costume and embracing a new persona for one night a year.  We host a big party every Halloween, and I love planning it! Costumes are required for all attendees (kid-friendly, of course). Read below for some helpful tips for planning your next party!

Love this table from HowToFurnish.com, it’s festive yet upscale!

When planning a menu, try to be mindful of your guests’ dietary restrictions. I look for tasty dishes and treats that are appetizing for all palettes, but are gluten and dairy free, like this delicious curried pumpkin and bacon soup, that I served in shot glasses. I always create a fun, inviting tablescape for the buffet…the kids love it!

For the bar, it’s fun to relabel the liquor and wine bottles to match your theme. I actually bought the labels from the photo below at Michael’s craft store. It’s all in the details, baby!

Overall, for a sophisticated Halloween party, try to think a bit outside of the box with décor. Don’t go for the obvious. Try to mix up the usual decorations, like ghosts, ghouls, pumpkins, and witches with abstract details that still bring in recognizable Halloween colors. I made the centerpiece below out of leftover tissue paper from Christmas. I wanted to create an abstract black cat. It turned out super cool!

Happy Halloween!

Hugs,

K

Now that the kids are officially back in school I’ve started designing a small dressing area for my daughter’s room. It’s been a lot of fun! One of the biggest challenges I encounter when designing children’s spaces is they know what they want and, trust me, my daughter has not been shy with her opinion!

The key to designing for children is creating a space that is both personal and functional.  Storage is essential and it must be stylish yet practical.

A new trend for interiors is wallpaper, which can add a great pop of texture and pattern to a child’s bedroom or play space. Many fabric companies are now developing lines of coordinated wallpapers and fabrics, and they are fun and fresh.

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when designing children’s spaces is choosing bright and overwhelming paint colors.   Take time to choose the right hue for your space.   You can test out the color by purchasing a sample can and paint a small section of the wall before you commit.

Finally, personalization is key.   I had my son’s artwork framed and hung it in his room.  It makes him feel proud to see his masterpiece on display, and it was a great way to bring his personality and spirit to the space.

Staying in a hotel always feels like a luxurious treat.  Pampering, plush bedding, room service…and I always get an amazing night’s sleep!

One of my favorite hotels is The Surrey in New York City.   Nestled on the upper east side of Manhattan, just a block from Central Park, it has a sleek, yet cozy design.  The hotel has a residential feel and a private rooftop garden with butler service.

Photo courtesy of The Surrey Hotel

Another favorite is Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, which we are lucky to have nearby in Manalapan, Florida. The hotel was recently refurbished by Jonathan Adler in coastal tones with playful and personal touches.  I adore Jonathan Adler’s irreverent style of design…he always adds a touch of whimsy to his work.   He is a trendsetter who takes risks, which I love!

Photo courtesy of The Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

Photo courtesy of The Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

When I design bedrooms, I think about the elements that make hotel rooms inviting.   Here are a few tips to think about when choosing décor for your master or guest bedroom. The bed is so important. Buy the most expensive mattress you can afford, and do not skimp on bedding! Luxurious sheets and a duvet are a must.  Motauk Linens are great, and fabrics like Fortuny, and Cowan & Tout are my go-to’s.

Install dimmers on your lights for a soft, romantic feel and create a cozy seating area where you can cuddle up with a soft thrown blanket to read or have your morning coffee.  Hide the technology! The red light from my Blue-ray player gives me nightmares. Enclose TVs in beautiful cabinetry and keep the iPhone & iPad downstairs.

Finally, try to limit the clutter in your bedroom.   One of the things that makes hotel rooms so appealing is the conservative and professional selection of accessories. Try to keep your nightstand neat and tidy. Now, if we could somehow arrange for daily maid service…

Krista’s team recently visited the Kohler factory in Kohler, WI courtesy of Wool Plumbing Supply. What an experience!

First things first: Kohler is a diverse company, making products ranging from plumbing hardware to generators to… chocolate! Not kidding. Hold the presses! Kohler makes their own chocolate, and it’s amazing. One of our first stops in Kohler was the chocolate factory.

What, you ask, does chocolate have to do with interior design? Absolutely nothing. But it does deserve special attention. Just look at those scrumptious truffles!

Okay, okay… moving on…

We stayed at the American Club, a 5 star resort hotel and spa.

And the piece de resistance! This bed… tucked away inside a cozy dormer-style nook. Simply adorable!

We took a tour of the Kohler factory where all of the magic and production takes place. We saw large kilns heating hundreds of ceramic toilets, sinks, etc. at one time. We saw the glassblowing factory where talented artisans literally poured heated glass into molds and created the most beautiful of sinks. We saw custom appliques used to decorate the interiors of sinks, bathtubs, and toilet tanks. It was a truly remarkable experience. The only downside: NO PHOTOS ALLOWED!

The entire town of Kohler was beautifully manicured and designed to attract skilled manufacturers to come and work for the factory and to raise a family in a safe, comfortable environment.

Artistic sculptures from Kohler’s many talented designers line the streets.

The Kohler Design Center houses an interactive museum exhibit and displays of hundreds of types of Kohler products. They also have 25 or so small bathrooms that were designed by nationally-recognized designers, such as Bunny Williams and Jonathan Adler.

The museum divided Kohler’s designs by decades. The bathroom fixtures in the 60s and 70s were far out, man! Avocado green, canary yellow!

Jonathan Adler’s bathroom design! Love him! We imagine he was inspired by A Clockwork Orange!

The back-lit oasis was designed by Nikki Blustin. Soothing and over-the-top all at the same time!

A stark contrast to the dutch colonial vibe of much of Kohler’s buildings and houses was their communications building, a modern monolith that housed even more modern approaches to communications, product development, and advertising. We weren’t able to photograph many places inside this building, but Kohler’s marketing team is top-notch! They had one room dedicated to trending social media with several televisions flashing any and all mentions of Kohler (or their competitors) across the screen in real time!

An interior shot of the communications building lobby:

Large bookcases ran endlessly down interiors, filled with magazines from all over the world to help the marketing team identify trends in each of their international markets! So cool and so overwhelming to think about!

We had a blast! Thanks so much to Wool Plumbing Supply for financing the trip. Such an amazing experience. We did finish our chocolate, unfortunately. So happy they accept online orders!